Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
(75-82°F)
Care Requirements
💧 Water Parameters
🏠 Tank Setup
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous, prefers a varied diet including high-quality flakes/pellets, live/frozen foods, and vegetable matter
🐟 Community Compatibility
Tinfoil Barbs can be kept with other large, robust fish species that can tolerate their semi-aggressive behavior. Avoid keeping them with small or slow-moving fish that may be seen as prey.
⚥ Sexual Dimorphism
Males are generally slimmer and may have slightly more intense coloration, especially during breeding. Females are usually rounder and larger-bodied.
🌍 Origin
Southeast Asia
About Tinfoil Barb
Tinfoil Barbs are large and graceful freshwater fish that make an impressive addition to larger aquariums. Here's some information about Tinfoil Barbs
Tinfoil Barbs have a sleek and elongated body with shiny silver scales, resembling the appearance of tinfoil, hence their name. They have a deeply forked tail fin and a slightly upturned mouth. When well-fed and in optimal conditions, they can display a beautiful reddish or golden tint on their fins and lower body.
Tinfoil Barbs are native to Southeast Asia and are commonly found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They prefer well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong water flow. In the wild, they inhabit areas with sandy or rocky substrates and dense vegetation along the riverbanks.
Tinfoil Barbs are generally peaceful and shoaling fish that prefer to be kept in groups of five or more individuals. They are active swimmers and can reach impressive speeds in larger tanks. However, they may become skittish if not provided with sufficient hiding places or if they feel threatened.
Tinfoil Barbs require spacious aquariums with ample swimming space. Due to their large adult size, a tank of at least 75 gallons or more is recommended. They appreciate a well-filtered tank and regular water changes to maintain good water quality. Providing driftwood, rocks, and plants as hiding spots can help mimic their natural habitat.
Tinfoil Barbs are omnivorous, but they have a primarily herbivorous diet. They enjoy consuming algae, plant matter, and vegetable-based foods. It's important to provide a varied diet that includes high-quality flakes or pellets, as well as occasional offerings of fresh or blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and peas.
Tinfoil Barbs are generally peaceful but can become aggressive towards smaller fish or those with long, flowing fins. They are best kept with other robust, similarly sized fish such as large cichlids, catfish, or other barbs. Avoid keeping them with small or delicate species that may be seen as potential prey.
Breeding Tinfoil Barbs in captivity is rare and challenging. They are egg scatterers that require specific conditions to trigger breeding behavior. These conditions may include warm water temperatures, appropriate water quality parameters, and the provision of suitable spawning sites, such as broad-leaved plants or spawning mops.
In conclusion, Tinfoil Barbs are impressive and active fish that require spacious aquariums to accommodate their adult size. With their shiny silver appearance and energetic swimming, they create a captivating display. With proper care, suitable tank conditions, and compatible tank mates, they can become the centerpiece of a larger freshwater aquarium.
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