Tinfoil Barb

Barbonymus schwanefeldii

Deep silver flanks, red fins and dark caudal-lobe stripes; juveniles grow large.

The natural form is deep-bodied, with a dark stripe along each red tail lobe and a black dorsal tip. Colour strains are the same species.

Natural habitat: Found in rivers, streams, canals and ditches, also entering seasonally flooded fields.

Reaches 35.5 cm SL. Small shop juveniles do not indicate adult size, and adults can eat smaller fish.

Appearance and identification

B. altus shares the trade name but lacks the caudal stripes.

Too few fish may become nervous or aggressive; keep at least six.

A 210 × 60 cm base and at least six fish. Plan adult swimming space, filtration, oxygen and a secure lid together.

Provide varied omnivorous foods with substantial plant content, without overfeeding.

Activity and vigorous feeding can overwhelm timid fish, and adults can eat smaller fish.

Eats plants, so delicate planted displays are at risk. Preserve open water.

Sources