Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Red Tail Tinfoil Barb may be one of the most eye-catching species in the aquarium trade given its size, social behavior, hardiness and temperament. With an enormous distribution across southeast Asia, Tinfoil barbs within the aquarium trade are sourced from aquaculture. Sold typically as 1-1/2″ to 2″ inch long juveniles that are completely silver in appearance, Red tail tinfoil barbs do not develop the red in their tail, dorsal and anal fins until they have matured more. A natural schooling fish, Tinfoil barbs require at least 6 individuals. An adult Red tail tinfoil barb can reach a size of approximately 12″. Note: Please take the time to consider the very large adult size of a Tinfoil barb before purchasing, as these fish are one of the most frequently returned or surrendered for “outgrowing” aquariums.

Diet Requirements: Tinfoil 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 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of juvenile Red tail tinfoil barbs; more adult specimens will require upwards of 90 gallons or greater depending on the group size and other tank mates sharing the aquarium. Tinfoil barbs are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 30 ppm). An aquarium with Tinfoil barbs should be equipped with exceptional filtration (e.g., large power filter or canister filter) and have strong water movement that can be achieved by using internal powerheads. Finally, a tight fitting lid is absolutely necessary as Red tail tinfoil barbs are known to jump. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a school of Tinfoil barbs happy, as open swimming space and water quality are more important. While Tinfoil barbs are relatively peaceful, their large size and activity level makes them incompatible with slow-moving and timid fish species. Tinfoil barbs will do well with other larger, active and relatively docile fish species. Recommended water conditions, 74-78° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2-1/2”; Medium: 2-3/4” to 3-1/2”; Large: 3-3/4” to 5-1/2”; XLarge: 5-3/4” or larger.

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.