How to Identify Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb

To identify Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb (Hypsibarbus rutilus), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   Caudal Fin Coloration

   The most definitive feature is the bright reddish-orange, deeply forked tail fin. This distinguishes it from many other large cyprinids.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Size

   Its torpedo-shaped, robust body and potential for large size (up to 60 cm TL) are key indicators.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Presence of two pairs of short barbels on the upper jaw, though they can be difficult to observe in some individuals.

4. 4

   Scale Size

   Relatively large, prominent scales covering the body.

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