Quick Stats
Scientific Name: Puntius schwanenfeldii,Barbus pentazona schwanefeldi, Barbodes schwanefeldi, Barbus schwanenfeldii, Systomus schwanefeldi, Puntius schwanefeldi, Barbodes schwanenfeldi, Puntius schwanenfeldii, Barbus schwanefeldi, Puntius schwanefeldii, Puntius schwanenfeldi, Barbus schwanenfeldi
Distribution: Southeastern Asia
Size: Adults can reach up to 35 cm (14 inches) or larger
Common Names: Tinfoil Barb
Temperature: 22-25C (72-77F)
pH: 6.5-7.2
General Characteristics
Tinfoils are a peaceful, large barb, which like their common name, boast shiny silver metallic like body with often orange to bright red fins, which makes them a popular fish to buy with avid fish keepers. Although not native to South America, they are a popular choice of dither fish in setups that have large cichlids as well as large community tropical setups. They are most comfortable in schools of 4 or 6 and it is recommended that you have at least a pair or more if you plan on keeping them. Because of their size and nature, large setups are required. Juveniles will grow very rapidly from the cute little size seen at the fish store and a lot of aquarists find themselves in a situation where they have a very small tank and a very large barb.
Aquarium Set Up
Due to their sheer size and nature, Tinfoils require a large setup as adults. I recommend a minimum of a 90-gallon tank for a pair (a 6 foot long tank is preferred) and at least, a 125-gallon to keep 3 to 4 and 180- 200 gallon for 6 (note these are all Minimum recommendations, if you can provide a larger home it will be better). Large artificial plants, driftwood and rocks make good ornaments for them. I do not suggest live plants with them, as they will eventually become lunch. Ornaments should be placed so that a large swimming are is provided. I also recommend that a full canopy or cover be on top as tinfoils startle easily and are known to jump out tanks. There is nothing worse than to come home and find a fish flopping on your floor. They can be kept with cichlids or other large tropical fish, but avoid smaller fish. Though mostly peaceful, tinfoils are omnivorous and will find a smaller fish a tasty morning snack. You will want to provide a lot of filtration due to their large demand on your tank’s bio-load and I recommend that one follow the same rules that apply to large cichlids. You will want to filter 10 times the amount of water your tank holds per hour if using HOB (hang on back) filters and a 3-5 times if you use a canister. Tinfoils are also quite sensitive to changes in your water chemistry. It is a must to ensure your aquarium is chlorine/chloramines free as well as a stable PH and non-existent ammonia and nitrite readings. Because of this, I do not consider them a fish for the beginner, and is better suited for the intermediate fish keeper and up.
Feeding
As mentioned, Tinfoils are Omnivorous and generally will eat just about anything. To ensure their dietary requirements are met, their diet should consist of a high quality pellet, krill, shrimp either frozen or freeze dried, flake food as well as vegetables such as lettuce, bok choi , zucchini, spinach and other greens. Mine also enjoy and await the leftovers of beefheart devoured from my Oscars. They also enjoy the odd insect like worms or crickets.
Sexing
Allthough some experts claim males have brighter colouration on the fins, they really are impossible to tell apart. Only God and they know I guess.
Breeding
Though it has been documented that Tinfoils have been bred commercially, they have not to my knowledge been successful breeding in a typical home aquarium.