Types of Barbus Fish You Need to Know
Barbus or “barbs” fish are common freshwater aquarium fish with a striking appearance. General owners may know tiger barbs as the most common, but there are several types of Barbus fish with different colors and patterns. Knowing each type will help you choose the best fish for business or personal keeping.
Here are types of Barbus fish, both the common and the rare ones.
1. Tiger Barbs
Tiger barbs originally came from tropical freshwater in Sumatra, Borneo, Thailand, and Cambodia. They grow to around 3 inches (7 cm) of length, and their white bodies are adorned with dark stripes. These fish are active and often “dart” when swimming.
Tiger barbs are sturdy and easy to care, and if you keep them properly, they can live for five to six years. Make sure you keep them in a small school (about five or six fish), and don’t put them with gentle fish to avoid them being aggressive.
2. Black ruby barbs
Black ruby barbs are another common Barbus fish type and originated from Sri Lanka. The fish are famous for their red colorings. They have similar sizes with tiger barbs, but the demeanors are gentle. They are perfect if you want barbus fish that are not too aggressive. Black ruby barbs must be kept in a small school, which consists of around five to six fish.
3. Rosy Barbs
Another popular barbus fish, rosy barbs are larger than a tiger or black ruby. These fish can grow to around 6 inches (15 cm), with a bright red color for the males and silver to reddish for the females. They have small dark spots or markings on the sides and fins.
Rosy barbs will get stressed if you keep them in smaller school than five fish. They may get aggressive and nip the other fish when stressed.
4. Gold barbs
Hailing from China, gold barbs are green, but breeding efforts resulted in metallic gold color. These fish have small dark markings on their sides, but the yellow color is still distinctive. Gold barbs can grow to 3 inches (7.5 cm) of length, and they need to be in the school of at least six fish to live happily.
5. Zebra barbs
Zebra barbs are the rarest and most active barbus fish. They can grow to 4.25 inches (12 cm) and have vertical dark stripes. They need a large aquarium and small school to live happily in the tank. This barb type is very aggressive, so only the experienced owner or breeder can keep their numbers in check.
Every type of barbus fish is unique. Make sure to see their characteristics and match them with your goal and ability in keeping them.
http://theaquarium.club/barb-fish-the-different-types-of-freshwater-barbs/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/barb-species-1380768