Tinfoil Red Tail Barb

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 manoeuvres 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 demeanour 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 200 litres 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.