TankBud

Coppernose barb

Raiamas christyi

Also known as Christy's trout barb, Opsaridium christyi, Copper nose barb

FreshwaterFish

Coppernose barb (Raiamas christyi)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
8.3 in
21 cm
Minimum tank
106 gal
400 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Danionidae
Origin
Congo River system

Overview

The coppernose barb is a fast African predator built like a trout. It is a specialist fish rather than a community member, best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

The coppernose barb belongs to Raiamas, a genus African anglers take on fly tackle meant for trout. It will chase down and hit a streamer as hard as any true gamefish.

Caring for the coppernose barb

The coppernose barb needs a big tank of at least 106 gal (400 L), with strong flow and a long, clear swimming lane. Give it a substrate of sand and smooth stone. It holds in open midwater and is a hard jumper, so fit a heavy, tight lid.

Keep the water very clean and well-oxygenated, at 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C) with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Feed meaty foods, both sinking and floating, such as prawn, mussel, earthworm and large frozen items. It strikes at food like a lure hitting water.

The coppernose barb is aggressive. Keep it in a small group with large, robust Congo-basin companions. Expect anything small and silvery to be eaten, so choose tank mates with caution and match them carefully. This species has no aquarium breeding on record.

Good to know

Raiamas christyi is a member of the danio family, Danionidae. It is trout-shaped, with a copper-washed snout and spotted flanks. Boulenger described it in 1920 and named it for Cuthbert Christy, an English physician and explorer of the Congo. Raiamas are Africa's high-speed surface predators among the cyprinids.

In the wild

The coppernose barb hunts the fast channels and open water of the Congo River system in central Africa.

Common questions

What size tank does a coppernose barb need?

A coppernose barb needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a coppernose barb need?

A coppernose barb is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a coppernose barb eat?

A coppernose barb eats meaty foods, both sinking and floating, such as prawn, mussel, earthworm and large frozen items. It strikes at food like a lure hitting water.

How big does a coppernose barb get?

An adult coppernose barb reaches about 8.3 in (21 cm).

Related species