Tinfoil barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 700 L
- Maximum size
- 35 cm
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 5
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The tinfoil barb is an impressive sight: a shiny, silver torpedo that looks small and harmless in the shop but grows into a fish tens of centimetres long within a few years. It only belongs with keepers who already have a large tank or pond lined up.
It feels safest in a school and swims actively through the whole tank, which calls for plenty of open swimming space. It eats almost anything, including soft live plants, so planting rarely survives. Plan for a tank that grows with the fish, not the other way round.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.