The Shark that is not a Shark

The Black Sharkminnow, also known as the Black Shark or Black Labeo, is an impressive species of freshwater fish that is native to the large river systems of Southeast Asia. Despite its common name, it is a member of the carp family (Cyprinidae), not a true shark. It is a vital species in its native environment and a sought-after catch for anglers.

The Black Sharkminnow, scientifically known as Labeo chrysophekadion, is a beautiful fish that is native to the warm waters of South East Asia. Their colours vary from grey to blue and even a striking purple hue.

They can be found in the wild in all the main river systems, eg, Mekong, Chao Phraya, and the Mae Klong Rivers of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

It lives in large rivers, smaller river tributaries, and even though they are in our Lake, they prefer flowing water, often with dense vegetation, submerged wood, and overhanging branches.

It is a potamodromous fish, ie, it migrates entirely within fresh water. Adults make seasonal migrations to breed, moving upstream into shallow sandbars and flooded areas at the onset of the rainy season.

It is not a big fish, and a 15lb fish would be a specimen, although we have them at TopCats estimated close to 20lb.

While its exact wild lifespan is not definitively recorded, it is a long-lived fish. Its lifespan is often cited in the range of  20 years in optimal conditions, again, like we provide for our fish here at TopCats.

The Black Sharkminnow is an omnivore that primarily grazes. Its natural diet includes: algae, detritus, plants, and small live food that includes insect larvae, worms, and small crustaceans.

Here, they have been caught on our house boilies, corn, small pop-ups, and the occasional worm.

In conclusion, they are a great little but fun fish to catch, and if you get a colourful one, it will give a prized photo to cherish.