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).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
Put Tinfoil Barb in a 3D tank at your size and see how it sits with everything else. Free with an account.
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.
Tinfoil Barb: care and setup
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 |