Common & Latin Name: Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii)
Care level: Easy
Max Size: 35cm
Temp: 22-28°C
PH: 6.0 - 7.5
Approximate purchase size: 4-5cm
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Large Fish Community
The Tinfoil Barb is a very large peaceful species. They are a shoaling fish that should be maintained in a group of 6 or more individuals in a very large aquarium due to their sheer size. They are highly social among their own kind and can be very entertaining to watch.
A lid for the aquarium is advised as these fish do sometimes jump and are particularly prone to it when they're juveniles. They are often a fish of choice to go alongside large predatory species as they're too big to be eaten, but more docile than other additional predators would be. They also require a less meaty diet, helping to give filtration a fighting chance. Other tank mates should be chosen very carefully as the tinfoils may be peaceful, but they will still eat any fish that fits in their mouth. Avoid fish with long fins as they may get nipped. Filtration needs to be strong and efficient as these fish eat a lot and produce a lot of waste as well. Plants are not advised as the barbs will most likely shred them and eat parts of the leaves.
Ideal tank mates include Arowanas, Oscars, Bichirs, Snakeheads and any other large cichlids.
Food can be offered in the form of pellets, as well as fresh or frozen fish foods such as mysis, brine shrimp and bloodworm.
If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions
Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!
