Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Drapefin Barb is found in clear and slow-moving waters of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River basins in Bangladesh, Nepal and India. Named after their elaborate dorsal fin, there are some noticeable differences between sexes. Males will be smaller, slightly more colorful, and have an even more pronounced dorsal fin than females. Despite “barb” in their name, Drapefin barbs are rather timid and peaceful compared to the boisterous barb species we think of (e.g., Puntius tetrazona [Tiger Barb, Green Tiger Barb], P. padamya [Odessa Barb]). Drapefin barbs are natural shoaling fish, requiring at least 8 to 10 individuals to avoid skittishness and show their best coloration. This group should be comprised of a mixed sex ratio, and males will occasionally flare up at one another to gain the attention of females. An adult Drapefin barb can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Diet Requirements: Drapefin barbs are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Some emphasis should be put on offering ample plant or algal based foods for this species. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Drapefin barbs. This size tank, or larger, is necessary to prevent the bullying of subdominant barbs within the pecking order that can occur in more crammed conditions. Drapefin barbs should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with driftwood, stones, plants (live preferred) and other natural-looking arrangements. Drapefin barbs are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for traditional community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species. Mix Drapefin barbs with fish that have a similar temperament, such as certain tetra and rasbora for example. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 3/4” to 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
