Field Guide

Freshwater Sharks

Freshwater sharks earn their name through their streamlined bodies and prominent dorsal fins - most are Cyprinids rather than true sharks. Browse our species guides below.

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Natural-history-style illustration of the Red-tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor).

Red-tailed Black Shark

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Territorial · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Iridescent Shark (Pangasius hypophthalmus).

Iridescent Shark

Pangasius hypophthalmus

Peaceful · Advanced
Natural-history-style illustration of the Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum).

Rainbow Shark

Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Territorial · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus).

Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Peaceful · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Harlequin Shark (Labeo cyclorhynchus).

Harlequin Shark

Labeo cyclorhynchus

Territorial · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Black Shark (Labeo chrysophekadion).

Black Shark

Labeo chrysophekadion

Territorial · Advanced
Natural-history-style illustration of the Chinese High Fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus).

Chinese High Fin Banded Shark

Myxocyprinus asiaticus

Peaceful · Advanced
Natural-history-style illustration of the Apollo Shark (Luciosoma setigerum).

Apollo Shark

Luciosoma setigerum

Peaceful · Intermediate
Natural-history-style illustration of the Burnt Tail Shark (Balantiocheilos ambusticauda).

Burnt Tail Shark

Balantiocheilos ambusticauda

Peaceful · Intermediate