Filament Barb

Dawkinsia filamentosa

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cypriniformes›Cyprinidae

📍 Western Ghats, India & Sri Lanka

Spectacular barb whose dominant males develop elongated thread-like dorsal fin filaments. Vivid red and silver colouring. Peaceful in groups; a showpiece community fish rarely seen in the hobby.

Size5"

Min Tank30g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Filament Barbs are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, small pellets, and regular offerings of frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers 2-3 times weekly. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Filament Barbs are peaceful, schooling fish that display their most vibrant colors and impressive filament development when kept in groups of 6 or more. Males establish mild hierarchies but rarely cause serious injury; they are active mid-water swimmers that appreciate open swimming space. They are curious and interactive, often investigating tank decorations and interacting with tankmates.

Breeding

Breeding Filament Barbs in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and conditioning with live foods before spawning. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially; success requires patience and specific conditions.

Tank Mates

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements make them ideal companions

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy similar water column zones without competing or conflicting

excellent

Sterbai Corydoras

Bottom-dwelling scavengers that don't compete for space or food; help maintain tank cleanliness

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that occupy different ecological niches and thrive in similar soft, slightly acidic water

good

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that help control algae; barbs generally ignore them due to their size and speed

good

Java Fern

Hardy plant that provides cover and spawning substrate without being uprooted by barb activity

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against decorations, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per gallon) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration and maintain stable parameters

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, red streaks on body, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, quarantine affected fish, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions and avoid overcrowding

Parasitic Infection (Flukes/Worms)

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, clamped fins, visible parasites, weight loss despite eating, mucus coating

Treatment

Use antiparasitic medication designed for freshwater fish; perform partial water changes during treatment; quarantine new fish for 2-3 weeks before adding to main tank