Filament Barb (Dawkinsia filamentosa)

Description:
The Filament Barb, also known as the Blackspot Barb or Filamentous Barb, is a striking freshwater species known for its elongated dorsal fin extensions and shimmering silver body accented with yellow, black, and red hues. Males become especially vibrant during breeding seasons, displaying more intense colors. This active schooling fish adds dynamic movement to community tanks.

Size:
Up to 6 inches (15 cm)

Aquarium Size:
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended due to their adult size and active swimming behavior.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)

• pH: 6.0 to 7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderate

Temperament:
Filament Barbs are generally peaceful community fish but can be semi-aggressive if kept in small groups. They are best suited for large, active community setups where their schooling behavior can be fully displayed.

Group Size:
Best kept in groups of 6 or more. Larger schools reduce aggression and allow them to display natural schooling behaviors.

Compatibility:
Filament Barbs can be kept with other peaceful species such as larger tetras, rainbowfish, loaches, and corydoras catfish. Avoid housing them with very small or slow-moving fish, as their active nature may overwhelm more delicate species.

Diet:
Omnivorous. They thrive on a varied diet including high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods.

Care Level:
Intermediate. While generally hardy, they require a larger tank and well-maintained water quality due to their size and activity level.

Planted Aquarium:
Filament Barbs can be kept in planted aquariums, but choose robust plants as their active swimming may occasionally disturb delicate species. Plants with strong root systems or those attached to hardscapes, such as Anubias and Java Fern, work well.

Invertebrate Compatibility:
Not ideal for tanks with small shrimp, as they may prey on them. Larger invertebrates like snails are typically safe.

Additional Notes:
Filament Barbs are active swimmers and need plenty of open space in the aquarium along with areas of cover. Males often display extended fin filaments as they mature, making them particularly eye-catching during breeding.

Disclaimer:
Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.