Butterfly barb - Barbus hulstaerti

Scientific name: Barbus hulstaerti

Common name: Butterfly barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.8 - 6.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 6°N (0 - 107.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Although Butterfly barbs will accept a quality flake do not use this for the staple diet. Give them regular meals of live or frozen foods to get the best colouration from the fish. Daphnia and brine shrimp are ideal foods for this fish.

Origin

Africa; Butterfly barbs are found in the waterways of the Congo.

Sexing

Males will display a brighter colouration with a yellow tint in their finnage. The females will have a stockier body shape.

Breeding

Add Java moss or spawning mops to the breeding tank and condition the parent fish with live or frozen foods. When spawning is complete, remove the parents and the fry should hatch after within 24-36 hours. A few days later the fry should be free swimming and can be fed on Infusoria until they are large enough to manage micro worms.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Barbus hulstaerti is 2-4 years.

Short description

This species of fish is very shy and timid and will not compete for food. Because of this most keepers will place Butterfly barbs in a species tank that is heavily planted and full of hiding places created from rocks or wood. They must be kept in small groups as single specimens will become very nervous and their health will deteriorate.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.