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Home > Freshwater Fish > Barbs > Tinfoil Red Tail Barb Group
Tinfoil Red Tail Barb Group (Barbus schwanefeldi)
Tinfoil Red Tail Barb Group
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Tinfoil Red Tail Barb Group (Barbus schwanefeldi)

Quick Stats

Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Red, Silver
Diet Omnivore
Water Conditions 75-80° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size 1' 1"
Family Cyprinidae
Minimum Tank Size 70 gallons
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Red, Silver
Diet Omnivore
Water Conditions 75-80° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size 1' 1"
Family Cyprinidae
Minimum Tank Size 70 gallons
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Tinfoil Barb has large, distinct silvery metallic scales, red-tipped fins, and a forked tail characteristic of a fast-swimming fish. The shimmering silver scales of this active swimmer reflect light as the Tinfoil Barb maneuvers its way in the aquarium. It is not difficult to see why this eye-catching, tinfoil-like attribute gave rise to the common name of Barbus schwanefeldi.

The Tinfoil Barb is a very hardy fish and compared to other barbs, quite docile in nature. This peaceful demeanor and glittery body make the Tinfoil Barb an attractive addition to the large community aquarium. As a schooling fish, the Tinfoil Barb should be kept in a group of at least 6 or more individuals with other non-aggressive large fish.

Wild Tinfoil Barbs inhabit large, fast flowing rivers of Southeast Asia. The home aquarium should best recreate the natural environment of the Tinfoil Barb by maintaining good filtration and strong water movement. Tinfoil Barbs can reach an adult size over a foot in length so it is essential to house this fish in a larger aquarium of at least 70 gallons in size. Also, the Tinfoil Barb is a known jumper so a tight-fitting canopy or hood is required to prevent injury.

The Tinfoil Barb will accept most prepared commercial fish foods including flakes, pellets, frozen, and freeze dried foods. The natural diet of the Tinfoil Barb consists largely of plant matter including algae so be sure to offer foods containing vegetable matter such as spirulina wafers or herbivore preparations.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1 -1/2"

Customer Testimonials

Kevin B Dunmore , PA
These fish live long, up to 10 years, and grow quite big. Even if you buy them small, they can grow as much as an inch per month or more so be sure that you take this into account when choosing these wonderful fish for your aquarium as they will eat smaller fish. That said, these guys should be kept in a school of at least three, preferably five, and look absolutely stunning in a large rectangular tank.
Judy D Lima , OH
I am on my second set of tin foil barbs. When one of my first set died (after a tragic accident), I gave away her partner (yes, I think "she" was a she as she was larger and rounder - although it is hard to tell their sex). The partner was a male (as I believe the males like to spar). The two I have now are just as huge as the first pair after just a year and a half - and maybe both females (as they don't spar like my son's males do). I don't keep any small fish in the 75 gallon (learned my lesson with the first two who would think they needed midnight snacks). Tin foils are very expressive - and loving. Mine have adopted a big silver dollar and protected him when I had an aggressive firemouth cichlid (the cichlid was banished to a local fish store - there is peace in the land again). You do want at least two - and must have a big aquarium - or be willing to part with them when they get too big for your space.
1-2 of 2 testimonials

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