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RED TINFOIL BARB

 

Fish Keeping Difficulty

 

This barb is much more suited for the beginner then its much larger family member the Tinfoil Barb. These fish are very hardy and do not have many special needs that need to be met. They do however need a bigger then normal tank at around a 100 gallons to accommodate a proper school. Due to the size of their habitat requirements they are suggested for an aquarist with some experience. They are very easy to feed or maintain and will make a fun and interesting pet.

  • Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

  • Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate - This fish doesn't require too much expertise apart from what is required to maintain a very large tank.

 

Foods and Feeding

 

These fish are opportunistic omnivorous in the wild. They feed on invertebrates, algae, smaller fish, plant matter and other organic detritus. In the aquarium they will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods.To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. They will also like some live food treats like worms or shrimps. Even though they like proteins, they need lots of vegetable foods. Vegetable supplements include vegetable based fish pellets, and also blanched lettuce or spinach. When offering food just once a day, provide what they can eat in about 5 minutes. The rule of thumb when offering food several times a day is to offer only what they can consume in 3 minutes or less at each feeding.

  • Diet Type: Omnivore - his fish appreciates a diet supplemented with vegetables as well as live foods.

  • Flake Food: Yes

  • Tablet Pellet: Yes

  • Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet

  • Vegetable Food: Some of Diet

  • Meaty Food: Some of Diet

  • Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day

 

AQUARIUM CARE

 

These barbs are not exceptionally difficult to care for provided their water is kept clean. At least 25 - 50% of the tank water should be replaced every month. If the tank is densely stocked 20 - 25% should be replaced weekly or every other week. An algae magnet can be used to keep the viewing panes clear of algae.

Aquariums are closed systems and regardless on size all need some maintenance. Over time decomposing organic matter, nitrates, and phosphate build up and the water hardness increases due to evaporation. To combat these ever changing conditions water should be replaced on a regular basis.

  • Water Changes: Weekly - It the tank is densely stocked the water changes should be done every other week.

 

Aquarium Setup

 

Red-tailed Tinfoil Barbs grow large and will swim in all areas of the aquarium. They need o school of five or more of their own kind and due to their size, 100 gallon tank minimum is suggested to keep a school. An external canister filter is needed to keep this messy fishes tank clean, and will aid in keeping high levels of oxygenation and water flow. Additionally the tank should be securely covered as these fish are skilled jumpers, and will probably do so if given the opportunity.

A setup that replicates their natural habitat of flowing rivers and streams is much appreciated. Add a river manifold or powerheads o create currents and provide a substrate of sand or gravel with scattered smooth rocks and pebbles. These fish are large and can knock over most decorations. Large pieces of drift wood and firmly anchored plants make a great decor. Make sure plants are not soft leaved or they may feed on them. Immaculately planted tanks won't work well with this fish as it will gladly devour all but the sturdiest of aquarium plants.

  • Minimum Tank Size: 100 gal (379 L)

  • Suitable for Nano Tank: No

  • Substrate Type: Any

  • Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting

  • Temperature: 72.0 to 81.0° F (22.2 to 27.2° C)

  • Range ph: 6.5-7.5

  • Hardness Range: 2 - 10 dGH

  • Brackish: No

  • Water Movement: Moderate

  • Water Region: All

 

Social Behaviors

 

The Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb is not an aggressive species, however they will eat small fish if they have the opportunity. Slow moving and shyer fish are n recommended as tankmates because the constant movements of this fish can stress them. The best tankmates are those of similar size and energy such as other cyprinids and characins, some cichlids, and catfish.

In nature they can be found swimming in large schools. In the home aquarium they will do best if kept with some of their own kind. If kept singly or in smaller groups they may become aggressive or overly shy, and fail to thrive. Groups of five or more will help to keep them happy.

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive - Although rarely aggressive thenselves, these fish can keep up with a slightly rougher crowd. However fish small enough to be eaten will not last long in the Red-tail Tinfoil Barb's company.

  • Compatible with:

    • Same species - conspecifics: Yes - They do best kept in groups of 5 or more.

    • Peaceful fish (): Safe - Due to their large size, smaller fish are at risk of being eaten.

    • Semi-Aggressive (): Safe - They are sturdy enough to be kept with some cichlids and semi-aggressive fish.

    • Aggressive (): Monitor

    • Large Semi-Aggressive (): Monitor

    • Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Threat

    • Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor - They may make these fish nervous because of their activity level.

    • Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive

    • Plants: Monitor - Will eat soft-leaved plants.

 

 

 

Fish Diseases

 

Red-tailed Tinfoil Barbs are very hardy so disease is not usually a problem in a well maintained aquarium. That being said there is no guarantee that you won't have to deal with health problems or disease. Anything you add to your tank can also bring disease. Not only other fish but plants, substrate, and decorations can harbor bacteria. Take great care and make sure to properly clean or quarantine anything that you add to an established tank so not to upset the balance.

A good thing about these barbs is that due to their resilience, an outbreak of disease can often be limited to just one or a few fishes if you deal with it at an early stage. The best way to proactively prevent disease is to give your Barb the proper environment and give them a well balanced diet. The closer to their natural habitat the less stress the fish will have, making them healthier and happy. A stressed fish will is more likely to acquire disease.

These fish are very resilient, but it is recommended to read up on the common tank diseases. Knowing the signs and catching and treating them early makes a huge difference.

 

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