GloFish® Shark – Galactic Purple®
GloFish® Shark – Galactic Purple® is a brilliantly colored fluorescent freshwater fish developed from the Rainbow Shark, Epalzeorhynchos frenatum.
Unlike dyed or artificially colored fish, GloFish® inherit their fluorescent coloration genetically. The Galactic Purple® Shark displays vivid purple coloration that becomes especially striking under blue aquarium lighting. Despite the common name “shark,” this fish is not a true shark and is instead a member of the freshwater carp and minnow family.
Key Features
- Brilliant fluorescent purple coloration
- GloFish® variety of the Rainbow Shark
- Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
- Adult size approximately 5–6 inches
- Semi-aggressive and territorial
- Primarily occupies the lower portion of the aquarium
- Best kept as the only Rainbow/GloFish Shark in most aquariums
- Freshwater species
Product Information
- Common Name: GloFish® Shark – Galactic Purple®
- Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
- Type: Fluorescent Rainbow Shark
- Color: Galactic Purple®
- Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive / territorial
- Diet: Omnivore
- Swimming Level: Primarily bottom
- Water Type: Freshwater
Color & Appearance
The Galactic Purple® Shark is known for its intense purple coloration and sleek, shark-like body shape.
Its coloration is inherited rather than applied through dyes or injections. GloFish® fluorescent fish produce fluorescent proteins that make their colors particularly noticeable under blue or ultraviolet-spectrum aquarium lighting.
Under standard aquarium lighting, the fish maintains a distinctive purple appearance, while blue lighting can dramatically enhance its fluorescence.
Adult Size
GloFish® Sharks are based on the Rainbow Shark and can reach approximately 5–6 inches as adults.
Although juveniles are often sold at a much smaller size, they require enough aquarium space to accommodate their adult size and increasingly territorial behavior.
Recommended Tank Size
A 40-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended as a practical minimum for an adult GloFish® Shark, with larger aquariums preferred.
A tank approximately four feet long provides significantly more usable territory than a tall aquarium of similar volume. A 55-gallon aquarium is an excellent choice for an adult specimen, particularly when housed with other community fish.
Water Parameters
GloFish® Sharks require the same general care as their non-fluorescent Rainbow Shark counterparts.
- Temperature: Approximately 75–81°F
- pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
Maintain stable water quality with effective biological filtration and regular partial water changes.
Aquarium Setup
A Galactic Purple® GloFish® Shark aquarium should provide plenty of floor space along with caves and visual barriers that allow the fish to establish a territory.
Recommended décor may include:
- Rock caves
- Driftwood
- Hardy live or artificial plants
- Open swimming areas
- Smooth gravel or sand substrate
- Strong biological filtration
- Moderate water circulation
Creating multiple hiding areas and breaking up lines of sight can help reduce territorial behavior toward tank mates.
Temperament
GloFish® Sharks are considered semi-aggressive and territorial.
Young fish may appear relatively peaceful, but territorial behavior can become much more noticeable as they mature.
They may chase other fish away from caves, decorations, or areas of the aquarium that they consider their territory.
Keep Only One Shark Per Aquarium
GloFish® specifically recommends keeping only one GloFish® Shark per aquarium.
Rainbow Sharks can be particularly territorial toward other Rainbow Sharks, GloFish® Sharks, Red Tail Sharks, and other similarly shaped bottom-dwelling fish.
Keeping multiple sharks together in a typical home aquarium may result in persistent chasing, stress, and injury.
Tank Mates
The Galactic Purple® Shark can be kept with appropriately sized community fish that primarily occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.
Potential tank mates may include:
- GloFish® Tetras
- GloFish® Danios
- GloFish® Barbs
- Medium-sized peaceful Barbs
- Danios
- Rasboras
- Other active community fish of appropriate size
Avoid overcrowding the bottom of the aquarium with fish that may compete with the shark for caves, food, or territory.
Fish to Use Caution With
Use caution when housing a GloFish® Shark with other territorial or bottom-dwelling fish.
Potential conflicts may occur with:
- Other Rainbow Sharks
- Other GloFish® Sharks
- Red Tail Sharks
- Other similarly shaped territorial fish
- Some Loaches
- Bottom-dwelling species competing for the same territory
Diet
GloFish® Galactic Purple® Sharks are omnivores and should receive a varied diet.
Suitable foods may include:
- Sinking wafers
- GloFish® Wafers
- Quality tropical pellets
- Spirulina-based foods
- Algae wafers
- Brine shrimp
- Mysis shrimp
- Other appropriate frozen foods
Because these fish spend much of their time near the bottom of the aquarium, sinking foods help ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Are GloFish® Sharks Dyed?
No. GloFish® are not injected, painted, or artificially dyed.
Their fluorescent coloration is inherited genetically from parent fish. Galactic Purple® GloFish® Sharks have been developed to express fluorescent proteins that produce their distinctive purple appearance.
Lighting
Galactic Purple® coloration can be enjoyed under standard aquarium lighting, but blue-spectrum lighting makes the fluorescent coloration appear significantly brighter.
A normal day/night cycle should still be maintained. Avoid leaving aquarium lights on continuously, as fish require a regular dark period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species is the Galactic Purple® GloFish® Shark?
It is a fluorescent form of the Rainbow Shark, Epalzeorhynchos frenatum.
Is the GloFish® Shark a real shark?
No. It is a freshwater cyprinid related to carp and minnows.
How big does a Galactic Purple® GloFish® Shark get?
Adults generally reach approximately 5–6 inches.
Are GloFish® Sharks aggressive?
They are considered semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly as they mature.
Can I keep two GloFish® Sharks together?
Generally no. GloFish® recommends keeping only one shark per aquarium because they can become territorial toward one another.
Can GloFish® Sharks live with GloFish® Tetras and Danios?
Yes. GloFish® lists Tetras, Danios, and Barbs as potential companions for GloFish® Sharks when aquarium size and stocking are appropriate.
Are Galactic Purple® GloFish® Sharks dyed?
No. Their fluorescent coloration is inherited genetically rather than produced through artificial dyes or injections.
Are GloFish® Sharks freshwater fish?
Yes. Galactic Purple® GloFish® Sharks are freshwater aquarium fish.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
GloFish® Shark – Galactic Purple® is available from Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.
Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only and are not available for shipping.
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