Edit Barbonymus altus
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Name
Scientific name
Barbonymus altus
Described by
Authority Günther, Year 1868
Family
Cyprinidae
Common names
Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The red-tailed tinfoil barb, Barbonymus altus, is a large cyprinid from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. One of two species traded as …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
210mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–27°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
2–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Mekong, Mun, Tonlé Sap
Writing
Etymology
Barbonymus: from the generic name Barbus, to which members of this genus were previously assigned, and Ancient Greek ἀνώνυμος (anṓnumos), meaning 'anonymous', …
Distribution
Occurs throughout Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, where it has been recorded from several major river systems including the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae …
Habitat
Mostly inhabits larger river channels that are prone to flooding during the wet season as well as their surrounding floodplains. The fish move into inundated a…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 150 ∗ 60 cm should be the minimum size considered.
Maintenance
Choice of décor is not as critical as water quality and the amount of open swimming-space provided; we have seen very healthy-looking specimens being maintaine…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Omnivorous and something of an opportunist although studies suggest it is primarily a herbivore; wild Barbonymus have been observed feeding on invertebrates, a…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not aggressive but will eat small fishes and can upset slow-moving or more timid tankmates with its constant activity and rather vigorous feeding behaviour. It…
Sexual dimorphism
Mature females are usually deeper-bodied than males especially when in spawning condition. Otherwise there are no obvious external differences.
Reproduction
Not known to have been bred in private aquaria but is used in aquaculture projects in its native countries. Like others in the genus it is an egg-scatterer tha…
Notes
This is one of two species traded under the vernacular name 'tinfoil barb', the other being the more well-known B. schwanefeldii. Despite this, it appears that…
References
References
4 on this profile