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Filament Barb

Dawkinsia filamentosa

Freshwater South Asia Usually captive bred

An energetic Indian schooling barb whose mature males develop breathtaking filamentous dorsal extensions and vivid red caudal tips. Unlike smaller, rowdier barbs, they are generally peaceful toward suitable companions. They require expansive linear swimming space, clear well-oxygenated water, and a robust lid to curb enthusiastic jumping.

Also called: Blackspot barb, Black spot barb, Black-spot barb, Featherfin barb.

13 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 6 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 13 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 250 L, at least 120 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 30 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 20 to 26 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 5 to 15, KH 3 to 8 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size At least 6, ideally 8 Kept alone or in small numbers it hides, fades or turns on tankmates.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in All levels Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 7 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Suits a first tank A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Filament Barb is an omnivore that swims in all levels of the tank. It leaves most plants alone. Give it some cover.

Tankmates

Works with

No close matches in the data. Check the pair tool.

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.