The Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) is a large, active, and hardy freshwater fish known for its shiny, metallic silver body and bright red fins. It is a schooling fish that thrives in spacious community tanks and adds dynamic movement and color.
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The Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) is a large, active, and hardy freshwater fish known for its shiny, metallic silver body and bright red fins. It is a schooling fish that thrives in spacious community tanks and adds dynamic movement and color.
Large, elongated, and laterally compressed body with metallic silver scales. Fins are bright red, especially the dorsal and caudal fins. Adults can reach up to 14 inches (35 cm) in captivity.
8–10 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Tinfoil Barbs are visually striking, active, and engaging schooling fish. They require proper tank size, water conditions, and group sizes to thrive and display their full coloration.
Intermediate — hardy but requires a large tank, good filtration, and ample schooling.
125 gallons (for a school of 5+)
6.5 to 7.5
5–15 dGH
74–80°F (23–27°C)
14 inches (35 cm)
Compatible with other large, semi-aggressive or fast-moving fish such as large barbs, silver dollars, and other similarly sized community fish.
Avoid small, slow-moving, or long-finned fish that could be nipped or stressed.
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Cyprinidae
Southeast Asia – Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 5 or more to reduce aggression and promote natural activity.
Feed 2–3 times daily in appropriate portions. Provide a balanced diet including pellets, flakes, vegetables, and occasional live/frozen foods.
Egg scatterer. Breeding in captivity is rare; requires a separate spawning tank with fine-leaved plants. Adults do not guard eggs.
Provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 75–80°F / 24–27°C). Scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry require infusoria or powdered foods initially.
pH: 6.5–7.5, Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C), Hardness: 5–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to stress, ich, and fin damage if water quality is poor or tank is overcrowded.
Semi-aggressive, active, and social; best kept in schools to minimize aggression and promote natural behavior.
Active, schooling, and semi-aggressive. Prefers mid to upper swimming zones and thrives in groups of 5 or more.
Native to Southeast Asia, the Tinfoil Barb is a large, hardy species ideal for spacious aquariums. Males and females display bright silver bodies with reflective scales and red fins, making them visually striking. This species is active and fast-swimming, requiring ample open swimming space and strong filtration. Suitable for intermediate to advanced aquarists due to size and activity level.