Tinfoil Barb - Barbonymus Schwanenfeldii : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
In addition to their captivating personality, Tinfoil Barbs boast a golden-silver body with a blood-red dorsal fin featuring a black blotch on the tip. Furthermore, their pelvic, anal, and pectoral fins are red with white edges, and each section features a dark black submarginal stripe. Finally, eight scale rows are located between the dorsal fin and the lateral line, further adding to their stunning appearance.
Tinfoil Barb Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the sex of Tinfoil Barbs can prove challenging, as there are no overt physical characteristics that can be used to differentiate between males and females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Barbonymus Schwanenfeldii |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1853 |
| Other Names | Goldfoil Barb, River Barb, Schwanefeld's Barb |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Barbonymus |
| Origins | Indonesia , Myanmar |
| Max Size | 35 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| ℉ | 75 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Tinfoil Barb, native to Southeast Asia, thrives across a diverse spectrum of aquatic habitats spanning the Mekong and Chao Phraya Basins, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, and Sumatra in Indonesia. This species demonstrates remarkable ecological adaptability, residing in environments ranging from streams and vast rivers to ditches, man-made canals, and seasonally inundated fields. The ability of the Tinfoil Barb to flourish in such varied settings underscores its resilience and ecological flexibility, marking it as a notably hardy and versatile species within its native regions.
Breeding
Breeding Tinfoil Barbs in a home aquarium can prove challenging, given their substantial size. Although reports suggest that public aquariums have successfully bred this species in captivity, no updated breeding details have been published since 2006. To breed these barbs, an outdoor aquaculture setting in a tropical environment or a vast aquarium is recommended.
As egg scatterers, Tinfoil Barbs do not tend to care for their eggs adequately and are likely to consume both eggs and fry if kept together in the same aquarium. Hence, it is advisable to have a separate breeding tank where the offspring can be raised without the presence of adult fish. If you decide to keep the offspring and adult fish together in the larger aquarium, adding ample vegetation, such as Java moss, can help to increase the fry's survival rate. The lush, bushy leaves of Java moss provide numerous hiding spots for the young barbs, mimicking their natural habitat. This arrangement encourages the fry to seek shelter and avoid contact with adult fish, as they would in the wild.
Diet & Feeding
Tinfoil Barbs exhibit a remarkable adaptability in their feeding habits, demonstrating an openness to a diverse array of dietary options. To support their nutritional needs, a balanced diet that includes pellets, flakes, algae wafers, along with frozen or freeze-dried varieties, is advised. It is important to acknowledge that Tinfoil Barbs possess a robust appetite, with a tendency to ingest live plants and smaller fish when available. Therefore, careful provision and oversight of their diet are essential to ensure the wellbeing of both the Tinfoil Barbs and the overall aquarium community.
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