Tinfoil barb

Common name Tinfoil barb Picture of Tinfoil barbs

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Barbonymus schwanenfeldii

Synonyms Puntius/Barbus/Barbodes schwanenfeldii (not valid)

Size Up to 14" (35cm)

Origin Asia: Thailand, Malayan peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra.

Tank setup A large tank with plenty of swimming space and artificial or very robust plants.

Compatibility Not aggressive, but may eat small fish.

Temperature 22-25^oC (72-77^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft, slightly acidic preferred (pH 6.5-7), especially for breeding

Feeding Largely herbivorous (will eat plants), but most foods accepted.

Sexing No obvious differences.

Breeding An egg scatterer. No reports of aquarium breeding, though the species has been bred commercially.

Comments This is a very large barb, which grows quickly from the juvenile size often seen for sale. They are suitable companions for other non-aggressive fish in large display aquaria. A similar species, Barbonymus altus, which is also sold as the Tinfoil barb, lacks the black lines in the caudal (tail) fin.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Tinfoil barb	Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Synonyms	Puntius/Barbus/Barbodes schwanenfeldii (not valid)
Size	Up to 14" (35cm)
Origin	Asia: Thailand, Malayan peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra.
Tank setup	A large tank with plenty of swimming space and artificial or very robust plants.
Compatibility	Not aggressive, but may eat small fish.
Temperature	22-25^oC (72-77^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft, slightly acidic preferred (pH 6.5-7), especially for breeding
Feeding	Largely herbivorous (will eat plants), but most foods accepted.
Sexing	No obvious differences.
Breeding	An egg scatterer. No reports of aquarium breeding, though the species has been bred commercially.
Comments	This is a very large barb, which grows quickly from the juvenile size often seen for sale. They are suitable companions for other non-aggressive fish in large display aquaria. A similar species, Barbonymus altus, which is also sold as the Tinfoil barb, lacks the black lines in the caudal (tail) fin.