Care

A sizeable, but peaceful species which is suitable for the larger aquarium. Juveniles grow very quickly, so ample space must be provided from the outset. Tinfoil Barbs are a shoaling species and should be maintained in groups of six or more fish. Due to their size and feeding habits, a decent amount of external filtration should be provided, along with very regular partial water changes. The aquarium must be well-oxygenated. Tinfoil Barbs appreciate a good amount of greenfood in the diet, and as such, aquatic plants will be seen as food - many aquarists choose to aquascape the aquarium either without plants or instead with plastic varieties. Tinfoil Barbs are not aggressive and mix well with other medium-large sized fish of similar temperament. However, due to their adult size, tankmates should be chosen with care as large Tinfoil Barbs are more than capable of taking small fish. The aquarium must be well-covered with a sturdy hood or coverslides as these fish can jump, and an adult fish can be pretty weighty.

 

Albino and leucistic varieties (with yellow finnage) are sometimes sold under the Golden Tinfoil Barb or Yellow Tinfoil Barb but are often the closely related Red-tailed tinfoil barb B. altus.

Feeding

Smaller specimens will take flake, green flake, small sinking pellets, and small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp and daphnia. Larger fish will enjoy bigger frozen foods such as krill, Mysis shrimp, and chopped prawns/cockle. Fish of all sizes will eat aquatic plants, lettuce, spinach, shelled peas etc. Greenfoods should be provided on a regular basis.

Breeding

Unlikely to breed in all but the largest of aquaria. Soft, acidic water and a temperature of 27-28 °C is required. Up to 4000 eggs can be scattered over plants or a marble substrate. The parents will consume the eggs if not separated.