Labeo Bicolor

This slender fish is characterized by an elongated body. Its lower lip is equipped with a sucker with horny plates, allowing it to effectively scrape algae and organic growths from various aquarium decorations. The main distinguishing feature is the black body coloration, contrasting with a bright red caudal fin. In females, the intensity of coloration is usually less pronounced. Artificially bred color variations also exist.

The species is endemic to Thailand, with historic records from the Mae Klong, Chao Phraya and Bangpakong rivers in the centre and west of the country. Its natural habitat is overgrown flowing water, usually no more than a metre deep. During the rainy season, they migrate to flooded forest areas and river floodplains, where their spawning presumably occurs. Human activity has disrupted their migration routes, which, in turn, has negatively affected the population size.

This fish leads a solitary lifestyle. With age, it develops territorial behavior, expressed in aggression towards fish of other species. Its own kind and similar-looking fishes — gyrinocheilus, garra and algae eaters — get the worst of it: the labeo harasses them constantly, so only a single specimen is kept per aquarium. Loaches are usually left in peace.

Labeo Bicolor does not have special requirements for the hydrochemical composition of the water, but its purity and quality must be maintained at a high level. It is recommended to renew at least a quarter of the water volume weekly, combining this with gravel vacuuming to remove organic residues such as uneaten food particles and excrement. Necessary equipment includes a powerful filter, heater, aerator, and lighting system. The aquarium can be decorated with a substrate of pebbles and gravel, adding several large boulders, and creating shelters from snags, roots, and tree branches, on which algae will grow with sufficient lighting, serving as an additional food source. Any rooted plants are suitable for landscaping.

The diet of labeos should preferably include a variety of live food, enriched with plant components. Daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp can be offered, combined with high-quality dry foods such as flakes or granules. Plant products, for example, pieces of cucumber, peas, peeled zucchini, or spinach, as well as chopped fruits, will be an excellent addition. It is important to secure plant supplements to the bottom of the aquarium with a tie or rubber band, and replace them every 2–3 days to prevent rotting.

Breeding of this species is most often carried out for commercial purposes using hormonal injections. Obtaining offspring in home conditions is almost impossible.

Provided favorable keeping conditions, health problems in labeos generally do not arise. Diseases usually develop when conditions deteriorate, nutrition is insufficient or unbalanced, or through contact with infected fish. In addition, certain hereditary diseases may occur in some artificially bred color forms, such as the albino Labeo Bicolor.

When purchasing, choose active individuals with clean fins and no visible damage to the body. Avoid fish with sunken bellies or signs of unnatural emaciation, which may indicate chronic diseases or improper care in the store. Given the territorial nature of the species, it is better to acquire juveniles, as adult individuals adapt more slowly to a new aquarium and may show pronounced aggression towards tank mates from the first days. Before purchasing, it is recommended to observe the fish's behavior in the community tank: a healthy individual should show curiosity and actively move around, exploring the substrate and decorations. If the fish keeps to itself, constantly hides, or shows signs of suppression by its conspecifics, it is better to refrain from buying. Also pay attention to the conditions in the retail tank — water cleanliness and the absence of a large number of dead or sick fish in adjacent compartments are important indicators of the overall well-being of the system.