All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Large and robust with a silver or metallic sheen. The body is elongated and torpedo-shaped, which helps in their fast swimming.
- Color: The body is typically silvery with a slight metallic sheen. Young fish have a more vibrant coloration with a hint of golden or reddish tones, which may fade as they mature.
- Fins: The fins are generally clear or slightly tinted, and the tail fin is often forked.
- Size: Can grow quite large, typically reaching 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in length, with some individuals growing even larger in spacious environments.
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Behavior:
- Activity: Very active and fast swimmers, requiring plenty of space to move around.
- Social Structure: Prefers to be kept in groups due to its schooling nature. This helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters) for a small group; larger tanks are highly recommended to accommodate their large size and active nature.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C).
- pH: 6.0-7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to maintain clean water, given their size and the amount of waste they produce. Ensure there is adequate water flow.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is ideal, but they can also do well with bare-bottom tanks if necessary.
- Aquascaping: Provide ample open swimming space, as they require room to move. Include some plants, driftwood, and rocks to mimic natural conditions and provide hiding spots, though these should not obstruct their swimming space.
- Cover: A covered tank is advisable to prevent jumping, as large fish like Tinfoil Barbs can occasionally leap out of the water.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
- Supplemental Food: Provide occasional vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful but can be slightly nippy, especially towards fish with long fins or slower-moving species. Best kept with other large, active fish. Avoid small or delicate tank mates.
- Social Behavior: Thrives in schools of 5 or more. They may become stressed if kept alone or in very small groups.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (25-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Monitor the filtration system to ensure it is functioning effectively.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Watch for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like spots or lesions.
- Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise.