Species profile
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Peaceful
Hard care
1,000 L minimum aquarium
25–35 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Very large, fast schooling barb routinely sold too small. Adult groups require a genuinely large aquarium with a long footprint.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6–8
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Generally peaceful but extremely active and powerful. Small fish may be swallowed and slow/timid fish can be overwhelmed; keep a proper group in very large quarters.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
1,000 L
Minimum footprint
240 × 75 cm
Accepted scientific name
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Alternative names
Tinfoil Barb, Barbonymus schwanefeldii (frequent misspelling), Barbus schwanenfeldii, Puntius schwanenfeldii
Native range
South-east Asia, including major river systems of Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.
Natural habitat
Large rivers, streams and floodplain waters. Aquarium groups need extensive open swimming space, robust filtration and good oxygenation.
Diet & feeding
Large omnivore with substantial plant intake; offer quality pellets, vegetables/aquatic plant foods and varied invertebrate foods. Soft aquarium plants are likely to be eaten.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is unreliable outside mature breeding condition; females may become fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Large open-water/floodplain spawner; routine breeding is not realistic in ordinary home aquaria and is generally undertaken commercially.