Clipper barb

Enteromius callipterus

Also known as Barbus callipterus

FreshwaterFish

Clipper barb (Enteromius callipterus) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 3.5 in (9 cm)
Minimum tank: 24 gal (90 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Cote d'Ivoire to the Chad basin, West and Central Africa
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Keep this easygoing African barb as a group of six or more; it is peaceful, hardy and active, and a shoal shows off the black flag on its dorsal fin. It swims in the middle water and makes a fine centerpiece for a West and Central African community alongside Congo tetras, dwarf African characins and small catfish. It is undemanding at feeding, taking flake, pellets and frozen or live foods. Provide at least 90 liters with open swimming room, some planted cover and gentle flow.

In the wild

The clipper barb lives in streams and small rivers across West and Central Africa, from the Chad basin west toward the coast, in warm, gently flowing fresh water. Recreate that with a planted tank, some wood, a moderate current and stable conditions. Keep it warm at 22 to 27 degrees Celsius across a forgiving pH band of 6.0 to 7.5.

Good to know

Enteromius callipterus is an African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 9 centimeters. The name callipterus means beautiful fin, after the bold black blotch it carries on the dorsal fin, which is the main feature separating it from similar small African barbs. It is an egg-scatterer of moderate difficulty to breed.

Did you know

Its species name, callipterus, means beautiful fin, and the fish earns it with a single black flag on the dorsal that stands out sharply against an otherwise plain silvery body.