Fin's Fish Guide
The Tinfoil barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The tinfoil barb is a large cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from Southeast Asia. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, strongly shiny silvery body with reddish fins and a dark-edged tail fin, to which the English name refers. It lives in schools in rivers, streams, canals and floodplains. As an omnivore it feeds on aquatic plants, algae, fruits, insects and small invertebrates. It is an important food and aquarium fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tinfoil barb?
The Tinfoil barb is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Bright shiny silver with reddish, dark-edged fins; large food and aquarium barb.
Where does the Tinfoil barb live?
The Tinfoil barb is mostly found around open water. Southeast Asia; rivers, streams, canals and floodplains.
How big does the Tinfoil barb get?
The Tinfoil barb grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Tinfoil barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Tinfoil barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tinfoil barb edible?
Yes, the Tinfoil barb is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Barbonymus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Tinfoil barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tinfoil barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.