Common Name: Short Body Albino Tinfoil Barb
Scientific Name: Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Other Names: Albino Short Body Tinfoil Barb
The Short Body Albino Tinfoil Barb is a selectively bred variant of the traditional Barbonymus schwanenfeldii, featuring a compact, deep-bodied shape with bright albino coloration and striking red or orange fins. This variant maintains the active and social nature of the standard Tinfoil Barb but has a more rounded, shorter body, giving it a distinct and unique appearance. Due to its fast growth rate and large adult size, this fish requires a spacious aquarium with strong filtration.
Habitat and Distribution:
The natural form of Barbonymus schwanenfeldii is native to Southeast Asia, including rivers, floodplains, and reservoirs in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding regions. They prefer large, slow-moving water systems with sandy or muddy substrates and submerged vegetation. The Short Body Albino variety is a man-made strain selectively bred for its appearance and does not occur in the wild.
Size and Lifespan:
Despite its short body, this variant still grows large, reaching about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity. With proper care, they can live for 8-12 years.
Diet and Behavior:
Short Body Albino Tinfoil Barbs are omnivorous and will readily accept a variety of foods. A well-balanced diet should include high-quality pellets, vegetable matter like blanched spinach or zucchini, and occasional protein sources such as bloodworms and chopped tilapia. They are highly active schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least five to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Tinfoil Barbs in captivity, including the Short Body Albino variety, is extremely rare due to their large size and specific spawning requirements. In the wild, they are egg scatterers that spawn in fast-moving waters, often during seasonal flooding. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are farm-bred.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 125 gallons is required for a group, with a larger tank (150+ gallons) being ideal due to their active swimming habits. Their ideal tank setup includes a sandy or smooth gravel substrate, open swimming space with some driftwood or rock formations, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to mimic river conditions, and dim to moderate lighting to enhance their coloration.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The Short Body Albino Tinfoil Barb is peaceful but should only be housed with similarly sized, fast-moving fish. Suitable tank mates include Silver Dollars, Larger Barbs, Bala Sharks, Giant Gouramis, Pacu, Larger Cichlids (Severums, Oscar Cichlids, Uaru), and Large Catfish. Avoid keeping them with small or slow-moving fish, as their fast movements may cause stress.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. Their large size and high activity level require a spacious tank with strong filtration.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-12 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- A secure lid is recommended, as they are strong jumpers.
- Best kept in large groups to prevent stress and reduce skittish behavior.
- They require strong filtration and frequent water changes due to their size and bioload.
The Short Body Albino Tinfoil Barb is a striking and energetic addition to large aquariums, offering a unique blend of beauty, activity, and schooling behavior. With the right setup and care, they can be a rewarding centerpiece species for experienced aquarists.
