Congo barb - Barbus callipterus
Scientific name: Barbus callipterus
Common name: Congo barb
Family: Cyprinidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 9 cm (3.15 - 3.54 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 12°N (0 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 29 °C (73.4 - 84.2°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: Bottom levels
Food
The Congo Barb is omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods including algae and larvae. They will accept flakes and dried foods in captivity.
Sexing
The males are brighter in color while females are plain in coloration. A sexually mature female will appear plumper than males when she is full of eggs.
Breeding
When breeding, hundreds of eggs are scattered among low, bushy vegetation. Once the pair is finished laying eggs they should be removed from the tank to prevent them from eating their young. The eggs take 2 days to hatch and the fry will require the tiniest foods possible, such as infusoria.
Origin
The Congo Barb is endemic to river systems in Chad and Nigeria, as well as the Congo River of Central Africa.
Short Description
Compared to most of the other barb species, this one is peaceful and non-aggressive. They tend not to be the most popular barbs to keep just because they are not quite as attractive as some of the other barb species. Barbus callipterus can be kept with other peaceful species including dwarf cichlid species and smaller catfish species such as corydoras.