Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
The Tinfoil Barb, Barbonymus altus, is a large, active, and schooling freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is characterized by its silvery, reflective scales, giving it a 'tinfoil' appearance, and often exhibits reddish or orange fins, particularly the caudal fin. This species is known for its robust build and can grow to a considerable size, making it a prominent inhabitant of its natural riverine and lacustrine environments.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Overall silvery, highly reflective body. Fins are typically reddish-orange, especially the caudal fin, which can be bright red. Some individuals may show a faint yellowish tint on the body. Juveniles may have a more subdued coloration.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Large, reflective scales giving a 'tinfoil' appearance., Often reddish or orange fins, particularly the caudal fin., Deep, laterally compressed body., Absence of barbels (a key differentiator from some other barb species).
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 8 branched rays. The last unbranched ray is strong and serrated.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked caudal fin, often bright red or orange.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are relatively small and clear to reddish.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are also clear to reddish. All fins are generally well-developed and proportionate to the body size.
Identification Tips
Body Coloration
Look for the characteristic bright silvery, highly reflective scales. This is the primary feature that gives it its common name.
Fin Coloration
Observe the fins, especially the caudal (tail) fin. In Barbonymus altus, these are typically reddish-orange, which helps distinguish it from other Tinfoil Barb species.
Absence of Barbels
Carefully check around the mouth. Barbonymus altus lacks barbels, unlike some other large barb species.
Body Shape
Note the deep, laterally compressed body shape, which is typical for this species.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters of rivers, floodplains, and lakes.
- Environment
- Inhabits large rivers, tributaries, and associated floodplains. Prefers areas with moderate to strong currents, but also found in calmer waters of lakes and reservoirs. Often associated with submerged vegetation and woody debris.
- Geographic range
- Native to Southeast Asia, specifically the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong river basins in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Also found in parts of Malaysia and Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo).
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 180 gallons (680 liters)
- Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful with similarly sized or larger fish. Can be kept with other large, robust, non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping with very small fish as they may be seen as prey. Best kept in schools of 5 or more individuals.
- Special requirements: Requires a very large aquarium with ample swimming space due to its size and active nature. Good filtration is essential as they are large waste producers. Provide a secure lid as they are known jumpers. Substrate can be sand or fine gravel, with smooth rocks and driftwood for enrichment. Plants should be robust and well-rooted, as they may uproot delicate vegetation.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when water levels rise and food is abundant. Fishing activity may increase during these periods.
- Market price: Variable, depending on size and origin. Generally moderate for aquarium trade.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, somewhat earthy
- Texture: Flaky, white meat with fine bones
- Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Steaming, Curry
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Size Mattersamazing
The Tinfoil Barb is one of the larger species of barbs, capable of reaching lengths of up to 20 inches (50 cm) in the wild, making it a truly impressive freshwater fish.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
These fish are highly social and thrive in large schools. In their natural habitat, they form large aggregations, which provides safety in numbers and aids in foraging.
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
Barbonymus altus is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on a wide range of items including insects, crustaceans, plant matter, and detritus, showcasing its adaptability to various food sources.
Aquarium Commitmentinteresting
Due to their significant adult size and schooling nature, Tinfoil Barbs require exceptionally large aquariums, often exceeding 180 gallons, making them a long-term commitment for dedicated aquarists.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to minimize stress to the fish. Due to their size and strength, care should be taken to avoid dropping them if handled out of water. They do not possess venomous spines.
Similar Species
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
B. schwanenfeldii typically has black margins on its dorsal and caudal fins, and often possesses a black stripe along the lateral line, which B. altus lacks. B. altus generally has more uniformly reddish or orange fins without prominent black markings.
Java Barb
Barbonymus gonionotus
B. gonionotus is generally more uniformly silvery without the prominent reddish fins of B. altus. Its body shape can be slightly more elongated, and it also lacks barbels.
Red-tailed Rasbora
Rasbora borapetensis
While also having a red tail, Rasbora borapetensis is a much smaller fish (typically under 5 cm) with a more slender body and a distinct black stripe along the lateral line, making it easily distinguishable from the large, deep-bodied Tinfoil Barb.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Barbonymus
- Species
- altus
Explore Tinfoil Barb
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.