Filamented Barb

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Puntius filamentosus
• Common Name: Filamented Barb
• Adult Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 7 years
• Habitat: Native to India and Sri Lanka, found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds with dense vegetation and soft substrates.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons or larger (best kept in groups)
• Ideal Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
• pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and active; best kept in groups of 5 or more. Suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – thrives on a varied diet including:

• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Live/frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp)
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)

• Algae wafers

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg scatterers, usually breed during rainy season
• Best bred in a separate spawning tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
• Adults may eat the eggs; remove after spawning

• Eggs hatch in about 24–48 hours

Appearance

Distinctive Features:

• Elongated trailing filaments from dorsal and caudal fins (especially in mature males)
• Silvery to golden body with a faint horizontal stripe
• Males are more colorful and have longer fin extensions than females

• Active swimmers with a graceful appearance in planted tanks