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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Rainbow sharkminnow

Epalzeorhynchos frenatum Fowler, 1934
Max Length
15 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
23.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Observed over sandy substrate . Found near any type of solid surface at midwater and bottom depths in streams and rivers. Moves into seasonally flooded habitats and returns to the rivers as floodwaters recede. Feeds on algae, periphyton, phytoplankton and some zooplankton. Popular in aquarium trade . Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 120 cm .

Scientific Name
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Authority
Fowler, 1934
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
15 cm
Trophic Level
2.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
23.00/100
Water Temp
24–27 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Has a greenish brown body with a large black blotch at the base of the caudal fin . Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins red with slightly dusky black color; 10-11 branched dorsal rays; 40-45 gill rakers on anterior side of first arch .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Rainbow sharkminnow is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

algae
aquatic plants
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 12. Tropical; 24°C - 27°C

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
2.3±0.18
Food Items

algae, periphyton, phytoplankton and some zooplankton

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00794 × L3.02 (TL)
Max TL
15cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–27°C
pH Range
6–8
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
23.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.3
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Fowler, 1934

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Epalzeorhynchos Frenatum is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Rainbow sharkminnow is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Rainbow sharkminnow has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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