BARB – DRAPEFIN
Oreichthys cosuatis
$7.99
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″.
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.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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