Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
Hypsibarbus rutilus, commonly known as the Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb, is a large, active cyprinid fish native to Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its silvery body and distinctive reddish-orange caudal fin. This species is known for its robust build and can reach considerable sizes, making it a prominent inhabitant of the rivers and larger streams it calls home. It is a schooling fish, especially when young, and plays an important ecological role as an omnivore.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- torpedo
- Coloration
- The body is predominantly silvery, often with a metallic sheen. The dorsal surface can be slightly darker, sometimes with a greenish or brownish tint. The most striking feature is the caudal fin (tail), which is a vibrant reddish-orange, sometimes fading to a duller orange in less active or stressed individuals. Pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are typically translucent to yellowish, occasionally with a faint orange hue.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- subterminal
- Distinctive features
- Large, prominent scales, Two pairs of barbels on the upper jaw, though often short and inconspicuous in adults, Deeply forked, reddish-orange caudal fin, Relatively large eyes
- Dorsal fin
- Single, tall dorsal fin with 3-4 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays. The last unbranched ray is strong and serrated.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked caudal fin, typically bright reddish-orange.
- Pectoral fin
- Paired pectoral fins, relatively large and somewhat pointed.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are abdominal. Anal fin is short with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays.
Identification Tips
Caudal Fin Coloration
The most definitive feature is the bright reddish-orange, deeply forked tail fin. This distinguishes it from many other large cyprinids.
Body Shape and Size
Its torpedo-shaped, robust body and potential for large size (up to 60 cm TL) are key indicators.
Barbels
Presence of two pairs of short barbels on the upper jaw, though they can be difficult to observe in some individuals.
Scale Size
Relatively large, prominent scales covering the body.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in mid-water to bottom regions of rivers and large streams, but can range throughout the water column.
- Environment
- Prefers clear, flowing waters of medium to large rivers, tributaries, and sometimes larger lakes. Often associated with rocky or gravelly substrates, and areas with submerged vegetation or driftwood. Requires well-oxygenated water.
- Geographic range
- Native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in the Mekong River basin (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam) and potentially other river systems in the region, such as the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins in Thailand.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 250 gallons (946 liters)
- Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 6.5-7.5
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibility: Best kept with other large, robust, and fast-moving fish. Avoid keeping with smaller, timid, or long-finned species as they may be harassed or eaten. Can be kept in groups of 3-5 individuals if the tank is sufficiently large.
- Special requirements: Requires a very large aquarium with strong filtration and ample swimming space. Substrate should be fine gravel or sand. Provide large, smooth rocks and driftwood for enrichment, but ensure open areas for swimming. Excellent water quality is paramount. They are powerful jumpers, so a secure lid is essential.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season, often between May and August, when water levels rise and currents are strong.
- Market price: Varies, generally moderate for food fish, higher for ornamental trade.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, somewhat earthy
- Texture: Firm, flaky white flesh
- Cooking methods: Grilling, Frying, Steaming, Curries
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Mekong Giantinteresting
Hypsibarbus rutilus is one of the larger cyprinid species found in the Mekong River system, contributing significantly to the local fisheries.
Powerful Swimmerbehavior
Its torpedo-shaped body and deeply forked tail are adaptations for strong swimming in fast-flowing river environments.
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
As an omnivore, it feeds on a wide range of items including insects, crustaceans, plant matter, and detritus, showcasing its adaptability.
Aquarium Challengeinteresting
Despite its attractive appearance, its large adult size makes it unsuitable for most home aquariums, requiring specialized, very large setups.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific safety concerns regarding venom or sharp spines. However, due to their large size and powerful nature, care should be taken when handling to avoid being scratched or having the fish jump out of containment. Always use wet hands or a wet bag/net to minimize stress and protect their slime coat.
Similar Species
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
While also silvery and large, Barbonymus schwanenfeldii typically has red dorsal and caudal fins with black margins, and often red pectoral and pelvic fins. Hypsibarbus rutilus has a uniformly reddish-orange caudal fin without prominent black margins and generally less red on other fins.
Copper Barb
Hypsibarbus malcolmi
Hypsibarbus malcolmi generally has a more golden or coppery sheen to its body and its fins are typically yellowish to orange, but usually lack the intense reddish-orange of the caudal fin seen in H. rutilus. Morphological differences in fin ray counts and body proportions also exist upon closer examination.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Hypsibarbus
- Species
- rutilus
Explore Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.