Tinfoil Red Tail Barb

General information

These fish are silver with reflective scales that look like tinfoil, hence its common name “ Tinfoil Red Tail Barb”, also, their dorsal fin and their caudal fin are red with black markings. There are more color varieties, however, these are selectively bred, a few examples are the Albino Tinfoil Barb , the Golden Tinfoil Barb and the Glass Tinfoil Barb. These fish are very large and can reach 14 inches. To keep these Barbs in captivity, water pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 and water temperature should range from 72ºF to 77ºF. The tank should have moderate currents, a sand substrate, rocks and open areas for swimming. They can be kept in a community aquarium with tankmates of similar size, smaller tankmates and slow moving tankmates should be avoided. These fish should be kept in groups of 5 or more, a 225 gallon tank is the minimum required for a group of 5 adults.

This species is omnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on algae, insects, smaller fish and even dead animals. In captivity, it can be fed with dried, live and frozen foods. Vegetable matter should also be provided.

There are no visible differences between females and males.

These fish scatter their eggs and exhibit no parental care.

This species is endemic to Thailand, Sumatra, Borneo and the Malayan Peninsula. It can also be found in Singapore and a few other locations but as an invasive species.