Albino Black Shark
Albino Black Shark
Albino Black Shark (Labeo chrysophekadion) is the albino color form of the Black Shark — a large, powerful cyprinid whose standard form is uniform deep black. The albino gene produces a pale cream to white body with red eyes, creating a dramatically different appearance while retaining the large, robust body shape of the species. This is a fish that requires serious planning — it grows large.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Sinking Wafers make excellent daily staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp 2–3 times per week. A large, active feeder — feed generously.
⚠ Size Warning: The Albino Black Shark grows to 24 inches (60 cm) and requires a minimum of 200 gallons as an adult. Juveniles are sold small but grow rapidly. Plan for adult size before purchasing.
Native to the major river systems of mainland Southeast Asia — the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and surrounding drainages. The Black Shark (standard form) is a significant food fish in Southeast Asia and is farmed extensively. The albino form is a captive-developed color variant maintained through selective breeding.
Territorial with conspecifics and similar large fish — ideally kept singly or with robust, dissimilar species in a large aquarium. Compatible with large cichlids, large catfish, and other big robust fish in a suitably large setup.
A striking display fish for large aquariums — the pale albino body against a dark substrate is visually dramatic. The size commitment is real: plan for 200+ gallons.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Territorial — large tank required |
| Typical Adult Size | 24 inches (60 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — 200+ gallon minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Sinking Wafers |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Mekong and Chao Phraya drainages, mainland Southeast Asia (captive albino form) |
| Notes | Albino form of Labeo chrysophekadion — pale white body, red eyes. Grows to 24 inches — 200+ gallon minimum. Territorial with conspecifics. |
