Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Minimum Tank
100 Gallons
Adult Size
14 inches
Temperature
72-77°F (22-25°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
5+ fish
About Tinfoil Barb
The tinfoil barb is a large, silvery fish from the rivers and lakes of Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula. Its shimmering, mirror-like silver scales reflect light brilliantly, while its red-tinged tail and dorsal fin add a flash of color. Tinfoil barbs can grow to 14 inches and are powerful, fast swimmers that need enormous amounts of space. Like bala sharks, they are frequently sold as small, attractive juveniles without adequate warning about their eventual adult size. They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups, compounding the space requirements. A school of full-grown tinfoil barbs is an impressive sight but requires a tank measured in hundreds of gallons.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 100-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-77°F (22-25°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Tinfoil barbs require a very large aquarium of at least 200 gallons for a group of adults, as they reach 14 inches and are highly active schooling fish. Keep them in groups of at least five at 72-82°F. They are not suitable for standard home aquariums. Feed quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and frozen foods. Tinfoil barbs will eat live plants, so use artificial decorations or very hardy plants. They are peaceful despite their size but their vigorous swimming and large bulk can intimidate smaller tankmates. Strong filtration is essential for the heavy bioload of a group of large fish. A very secure lid is necessary, as they can jump powerfully. Only purchase if you have adequate space for their adult size.
Quick Facts
378L
Min Tank (100gal)
36cm
Adult Size (14")
10yr
Lifespan
5+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Tinfoil Barb
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Tank Mates for Tinfoil Barb
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Royal Pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
moderate · 125+ gal
Red Irian Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
moderate · 55+ gal
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
moderate · 55+ gal
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
moderate · 125+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Tinfoil Barb need?
A Tinfoil Barb needs a minimum tank size of 100 gallons (378 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 5.
What water parameters does a Tinfoil Barb need?
Tinfoil Barb thrive in water between 72-77°F (22-25°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Tinfoil Barb easy to care for?
Tinfoil Barb are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Tinfoil Barb get and what do they eat?
Tinfoil Barb reach about 14 inches and are omnivores. Tinfoil barbs require a very large aquarium of at least 200 gallons for a group of adults, as they reach 14 inches and are highly active schooling fish. Keep them in groups of at least five at 72-82°F. They are not suitable for standard home aquariums. Feed quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and frozen foods. Tinfoil barbs will eat live plants, so use artificial decorations or very hardy plants. They are peaceful despite their size but their vigorous swimming and large bulk can intimidate smaller tankmates. Strong filtration is essential for the heavy bioload of a group of large fish. A very secure lid is necessary, as they can jump powerfully. Only purchase if you have adequate space for their adult size.