Congo clipper barb

Clypeobarbus congicus

Also known as Barbus congicus, Congo barb

FreshwaterFish

Congo clipper barb (Clypeobarbus congicus) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.2
Adult size: 2.2 in (5.5 cm)
Minimum tank: 14 gal (54 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Congo basin
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Keep this small Congo barb as a group of eight or more in a planted tank; it is peaceful and a little delicate, and a shoal keeps it confident and colored up. It swims in the middle water and pairs well with other small, gentle species in a soft-water community, such as dwarf African tetras. Feed small foods, fine flake and micro-pellet, with frozen and live items like daphnia and baby brine shrimp. Around 54 liters houses a starter group; keep the water clean and gently flowing.

In the wild

The Congo clipper barb lives in streams and smaller rivers throughout the Congo basin, warm, soft, gently flowing forest water. Recreate that with a well-planted, shaded tank, driftwood, a dark substrate and gentle filtration. Keep it warm at 23 to 27 degrees Celsius and slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0 to 7.2, with soft, stable water.

Good to know

Clypeobarbus congicus is a small African cyprinid reaching about 5.5 centimeters. Its genus name means shield barb, after an enlarged, shield-like row of scales along the midline of the belly, the feature that sets the group apart. It is found in the Congo basin and reaches into the Ruzizi and Malagarasi rivers of East Africa. There are no records of it breeding in aquaria.

Did you know

A row of its belly scales is enlarged into overlapping, shield-like plates, the detail behind the genus name Clypeobarbus, meaning shield barb, on a fish barely longer than a matchbox.