Tinfoil Barb

The Tinfoil Barb is a fish that is often available in pet shops and sold to the beginning aquarist but it is not the best choice for those beginning in the freshwater hobby. The tinfoil barb requires a very large tank, at least 75 gallons (284 liters) because of its potential adult size of 13 inches (32 cm). They like to have lots of space for swimming and they are indeed fast swimmers. They also like to jump out of tanks that don't have tight fitting hoods.

The sides of the Tin foil Barb resemble tin foil (hence the name) and the fins on the this barb will become more red as they mature. Juveniles (pictured below) lack the red on the fins.

Tin foil Barbs will accept most fish food, including flakes, pellets, frozen and freeze-dried foods. They will also go after your live plants and any smaller fish if given the opportunity.

Picture

Juvenile Tinfoil Barb

Freshwater Fish Species Profile and Care Information

Scientific Name : Barbus schwanefeldi

Common Names : River Barb

Care Level : Easy to Moderate, this fish needs a larger tank

Size : 13 inches (32 cm)

pH : 6.0 - 7.5

Temperature : 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

Life span : 8 - 10 years

Origin / Habitat : Rivers in Thailand and Sumatra

Temperament / Behavior : This fish can be peaceful enough for a very large community tank, but it may eat smaller fish.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : May be possible to breed in the home aquarium. You would need a very large tank to house the adults. Egglayer that likes higher temperatures (77 - 80°F) for breeding. Remove adults to keep them from eating the eggs.

Tank Size : 75 gallon (284 liters) minimum

Compatible Tank Mates : May go well with Bala Shark, Pleco, Silver Dollar and other large fish

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease

Diet / Fish Food : An herbivore - provide a varied diet with algae wafers, pellet food and frozen food.

Tank Region : Mostly middle to top

Gender : Difficult to determine

Similar Species : Cyprinids, Barbs

Gallery Photos : Tinfoil Barb Photos

Fish Lore Forum : Tinfoil Barb Forum

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Tin Foil Barb Tips

From: Ryan Sorce Palmdale CA
I have 3 tinfoil barbs. 2 of them are about 4 years old and about 9 inches long. I also have a smaller albino tinfoil barb. These fish are great but are very skittish and run into the walls as soon as I turn on the tank light.

From: Adam
First of all, these have become my favorite fish! They get big and they are very active fish. I have 6 Tinfoils in a 125 gallon tank. They are very non-aggressive giants. They work great with the other fish (although they will eat fish that will fit in their mouths.) They will get to 14", but only in a large tank. Don't buy them if you don't have a large tank. A 55 gallon is the BARE minimum (A 6' tank is much better for them). They love to school with other tinfoils, so get 3 or more.

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