[3] The coloration of the tail can dim or fade when the individual is stressed, sick, or in poor water conditions.

This species is endemic to Thailand, and has been recorded in the lower Mae Khlong, Chao Phraya, and Bangpakong river basins.

[1] It was described by Hugh M. Smith in 1931 as being "not uncommon in Borapet Swamp, Central Siam, and in the streams leading therefrom",[3] and as being found in the Chao Phraya River as far south as Bangkok.

They prefer areas with high flow, dense vegetation, large rocks and rocky or even sandy sediment.

In 2011 it was only known at a single location in the Chao Phraya basin, however it was believed to be strictly localized[5] and is thought to be extirpated across the rest of its range.

[1] However, a single specimen was found in 2013 in a rocky dam around the mainstream of the Mae Khlong River in the Muang District of West Thailand.

[2] They are known egg layers, however breeding in home aquariums is practically impossible due to how aggressive and intolerant it is of its own kind.

[2] Red-tailed black sharks are fast active swimmers that patrol the bottom of the water column.

There are cases of red-tailed black sharks living peacefully with tankmates so long as their position and territory goes unchallenged.

[1] It could be argued that the aquarium trade saved the species from extinction, as breeding of red-tailed black sharks in countries such as Thailand and Sri Lanka has relieved pressure off of harvesting wild populations.

[6] Presently, current wild populations are threatened by pollution from agricultural and domestic sources, as well as from habitat modification and degradation.

[1] The construction of dams during the 1970s, the drainage of vast areas of swamp land, as well as additional infrastructure development such as road building likely caused great loss of habitat.

Pollution runoff from farmlands and domestic sources may have caused changes in flow regimes and siltation to unsuitable levels.

The Red Tailed Black Shark faces critical endangerment due to its disappearing rivers caused by climate change and human induced habitat destruction.

As reported by the Journal of Applied Aquaculture, while most fish farmed now are for commercial purposes, artificial hormone induced spawning is extremely stressful and experiences high mortality afterwards.

[8] However, the fish that are bred in captivity may no longer be genetically suitable for release into the wild via hatchery raised reintroduction.

[1] The ICUN also recommends that further research is needed to understand the population trends, life history, ecology, threats, and actions for conservation for the red-tailed black shark.

Faster moving fish such as danios and other minnows are fast enough to stay out of red-tailed black sharks’ way.

[2] Tetras are often common tank mates, though some red-tailed black sharks do bully even these peaceful fish.

Smaller angelfish, fancy guppies, and betta fish are poor choice of tank mates for this cyprinid.

[2] Other bottom feeders such as Corydora catfish or loaches are not recommended by some as they occupy and compete for the same territory and food.