Tinfoil barb - Barbonymus schwanenfeldii

Scientific name: Barbonymus schwanenfeldii

Common name: Tinfoil barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 30 - 35 cm (11.81 - 13.78 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 6 - 16°N (107.14 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Southeast Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Overview

Barbonymus schwanenfeldii, commonly known as the Tinfoil Barb, is a large, fast-swimming cyprinid from rivers and floodplains across Southeast Asia (Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo). Often sold as juveniles of only a few centimeters, they can quickly outgrow most home aquaria, reaching 30–35 cm in captivity. Their shimmering silver body with red/orange fins gives them the “tinfoil” name.

Care & Tank Setup

Group size: A shoaling species—keep in groups of at least 5–6 to reduce stress and aggression.
Tank size: Requires a very large aquarium (≥ 500 l / 130 gal) with strong filtration and open swimming space.
Water: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 6–16 °dGH, temperature 22–28 °C. Clean, well-oxygenated water is essential.
Aquascape: Leave plenty of open swimming room; robust plants may be uprooted or eaten. Use rocks, driftwood, and hardy vegetation for structure.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous with a strong appetite; provide a varied diet.

Staples: Quality large flakes, pellets, algae wafers.
Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, lettuce, peas, cucumber, zucchini.
Protein: Bloodworms, chopped mussels/shrimp, krill; occasional earthworms.
Avoid overuse of very fatty or live feeder fish.

Behavior & Compatibility

Conspecifics: Peaceful shoaler; stress and fin-nipping decrease in larger groups.
Other fish: Suitable with other large, robust species (silver dollars, bala sharks, large barbs, catfish, peaceful cichlids). Will prey on much smaller tankmates.

Sexing

No reliable external differences. Mature females may appear deeper-bodied when gravid, but sexing is difficult.

Breeding

A typical egg-scattering species. In home aquaria, breeding is extremely rare due to their adult size and space requirements. Commercial breeders induce spawning in ponds with hormonal methods. Eggs are adhesive and scatter over vegetation; fry hatch in ~24–36 hours.

Lifespan

Lives 8–10 years in captivity, occasionally longer in very large, well-maintained systems.

Origin

Native to Southeast Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Inhabits rivers, streams, and flooded forests.

Short description

A giant among barbs, the Tinfoil Barb is hardy, fast-moving, and peaceful but unsuitable for small aquaria. Best kept in large shoals in spacious tanks with powerful filtration and varied diet.