Filament Barb

Dawkinsia filamentosa

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Minimum tank: 53 gal (200 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: India
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Filament barbs are peaceful, active shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least six, and ideally more, so they display their best colors and channel their energy into the shoal. They are strong swimmers that use the full length of the middle water, so they need open space to cruise. Their calm temperament suits a spacious community with other medium sized, active fish, though small timid species may find them a little boisterous. Feed a varied diet of flake, pellets, and frozen foods, with some vegetable matter and green algae. A tank around 200 liters or larger gives this energetic barb the swimming room it needs.

In the wild

This barb comes from the rivers and coastal floodplains of southern India, especially the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where it lives in flowing, well oxygenated water. It does well across a moderate range of about 20–25 C and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Set up a roomy tank with a gravel and sand base, water worn rock and driftwood, and some current from the filter. Leave a long, open swimming lane down the middle and keep any planting to the sides and background so the shoal has room to move.

Good to know

Dawkinsia filamentosa is a member of the family Cyprinidae and reaches around 13 cm. Its name comes from the long, thread like extensions that mature males grow from the rays of the dorsal fin, which trail behind them as they swim. The genus Dawkinsia was split from the old catch all genus Puntius in 2012. It is an egg scattering, non guarding spawner that deposits eggs among fine plants, and it can be bred in a dedicated tank with moderate effort.

Did you know

The genus Dawkinsia was named in 2012 in honor of the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, for his work in explaining science to the public. Dawkins said he was delighted, noting that an aquarium he helps look after already kept a pair of this very fish.