Barbs
Active cyprinids with a fin-nipping reputation that is deserved by some and not by others. Several are subtropical and suit an unheated room better than a heated tank.
15 species, separated by adult size. Part of the freshwater fish catalogue.
Small — 4 to 8 cm (8)
The core of most community tanks.
- Black ruby barbPethia nigrofasciata6.5 cmUndemandinggroup of 6+
- Checker barbOliotius oligolepis5 cmUndemandinggroup of 8+
- Cherry barbPuntius titteya5 cmUndemandinggroup of 8+
- Five-banded barbDesmopuntius pentazona5 cmModerategroup of 8+
- Gold barbBarbodes semifasciolatus7 cmUndemandinggroup of 6+
- Golden dwarf barbPethia gelius4 cmUndemandinggroup of 8+
- Odessa barbPethia padamya7 cmUndemandinggroup of 8+
- Tiger barbPuntigrus tetrazona7 cmUndemandinggroup of 10+
Medium — 8 to 15 cm (3)
Needs real swimming length. Frequently sold as juveniles into tanks that will not suit the adult.
Large — 15 cm and above (4)
Specialist tanks. Check the adult size and the lifespan before buying.