Family: Cyprinidae
tinfoil barb — a Cyprinidae from Africa and Sri Lanka. Reaches 26.2–38.5 cm; keep at 22–25 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to Africa and Sri Lanka: Barbonymus schwanenfeldii lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 26.2–38.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Barbonymus species we profile, alongside Barbonymus gonionotus.
A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Aim for 22–25 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 22–25 °C recorded range.
Full size is 26.2–38.5 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to Africa and Sri Lanka, where it lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.