Shark Minnow

Picture of Shark Minnow

Description of the Shark Minnow

The Shark Minnow is also known as the Tricolor Sharkminnow and can be identified by its silver body with black markings on it Dorsal, Pelvic, Caudal and Anal fins. A hardy fish, it is a good choice for the beginner. It gets the name 'shark' because of its torpedo shaped body and large fins but it is not in fact a true shark. The Shark Minnow is a common tropical aquarium fish, however it is an endangered species in its native habitat.

Popular Name: Shark Minnow
Species: Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Picture of a Shark Minnow

Shark Minnow

Facts - Information - Picture - Video

Profile of the Shark Minnow
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Shark Minnow species.

  • Size: Up to 35cm

  • Fish Tank conditions: PH 6.0 to 8.0. Temp 22 to 28 Degrees

  • Diet / Feeding: Dried, Flaked or Frozen Food

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Habitat: Freshwater Rivers and Streams

  • Behaviour: Good Community Fish

  • Range: Mekong and Chao Phraya River basins, Borneo, Malay Peninsula and  Sumatra, Asia

Scientific Classification of the Shark Minnow
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

  • Species: Balantiocheilos melanopterus

  • Popular Name: Shark Minnow - Tricolor Sharkminnow

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Chordata

  • Class: Actinopterygii

  • Order: Cypriniformes

  • Family: Cyprinidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Shark Minnow?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!


Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Shark Minnow slimy?
Shark Minnow secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Shark Minnow to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Shark Minnow have gills?
Gills enable the Shark Minnow to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Shark Minnow have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

  • Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Shark Minnow has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

  • Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Shark Minnow has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

  • Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Shark Minnow has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

  • Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Shark Minnow has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Shark Minnow

Shark Minnow

  • Interesting Information about Shark Minnow

  • Facts about Fish Species - Why are Shark Minnow slimy?

  • Why do the Shark Minnow have gills?

  • Facts about Fish Species - Why do the Shark Minnow have fins?

  • Species: Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Fish Species

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