LONGFIN BARB

Origin and Appearance

is widespread throughout the Thamirabarani River basin in Southeast India. The entire river is only 128 km long and has a red tinge from the high amounts of saturated copper in the water. The river is home to many rare and endemic fish species.

Care

is a very hardy species that will adapt to most aquarium conditions as long as the water quality is maintained. They are a schooling species and do best in groups of eight or more. Keeping solitary or pairs of Arulius barb will cause the fish to be dull in appearance and not show their best colors.

As a larger species, the minimum aquarium size for the Arulius barb is 40 gallons in a horizontal format. For an active community tank consider going up to 100 gallons.

Tank Mates

This species is quite peaceful with any fish they cannot eat and is a great choice for community aquariums with mid-size species with similar tolerances to water temperature and quality.

• Tolerance for water temperatures in the range of 66°F to 77°F (19°–25° C)
• Adult size of 2 inches or greater but no larger than 5 or 6 inches
• Peaceful as a solitary or schooling species
• Not a fin nipper

Proper Diet

Arulius barb is an enthusiastic omnivore. It readily consumes flaked or pelletized tropical fish food and a variety of live or frozen foods.

To keep your Arulius barb from turning off on a particular food, try alternating occasionally with:

• Live or freeze-dried brine shrimp
• Live or freeze-dried blood worms
• Shredded, finely chopped vegetables such as squash or zucchini
• Chopped earthworms