Tinfoil Barb
Image: Wibowo Djatmiko (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wie146" title="User:Wie146">Wie146</a>) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameTinfoil Barb
Scientific NameBarbonymus schwanenfeldii
Common NamesTinfoil Barb, Schwanenfeld's Barb, Goldfoil Barb
FamilyCyprinidae
OriginSoutheast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo, Kalimantan
Temperamentcommunity
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)16
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-79
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesSilver Dollar, Large Gouramis, Larger Rainbowfish, Plecos, Other large Barbs, Large Cichlids (e.g., Oscar, but monitor for aggression)
Description
The Tinfoil Barb is a large, active, schooling freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its metallic silver scales and red-orange fins with black markings. Due to its significant adult size, it requires a very spacious aquarium to thrive. It is a generally peaceful omnivore that does best in a well-maintained, mature tank with ample swimming space.
