Tinfoil Barb

Barbonymus schwanenfeldii

Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 35.5 cm (14 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 6–8, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 756 L (200 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	35.5 cm (14 in)
Minimum tank	756 L (200 gal)
Group size	6 or more
Temperature	68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH	6–8
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	10–15 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Tinfoil Barb needs at least 756 L (200 gal).
Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 11.8 cm (4.7 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It holds at 68–82°F (20–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
It eats most plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.

What tank size does it need?

At least 756 L (200 gal).

How many should I keep?

6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 6–8.

How long does it live?

10–15 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.

Often compared with

	Tinfoil Barb	Denison Barb	Rosy Barb
Adult size	35.5 cm	11 cm	10 cm
Min tank	756 L	243 L	90 L
Group	6+	6+	8+
Temperature	68–82°F (20–28°C)	59–77°F (15–25°C)	61–75°F (16–24°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Tinfoil Barb →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026