Black Shark (Labeo chrysophekadion)

Labeo, the genus this fish belongs to, literally translates to "lipped one" — a reference to the thick, fringed lips built for grazing biofilm and algae off rock and driftwood surfaces rather than the delicate nibbling most fish do. On this species that lip apparatus sits on a torpedo-shaped body in solid, uninterrupted black, no red tail or gold accents to break it up, which if anything makes the territorial posturing read as even more serious to any rival sharing its cave. Multiples aren't out of the question, but only in a tank large enough for each fish to claim a cave the others can't see into — anything smaller and that posturing becomes a full-time job for everyone involved.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial · Max size: ~24" · Min tank: 180+ gal (add tank size for each additional fish kept together) · Diet: Omnivore, sinking pellets/veggies