Tinfoil Barb

A big, silver fish with red and black fins, sold small but reaching over 35 cm. It needs a tank at least 2 metres long and a heavy lid, and it eats plants and small fish.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature females are usually rounder in the belly, and males are usually slimmer and often brighter.

A long tank with open swimming water, plants around the edges and steady filtration suits this fish. A darker substrate and some floating plants usually bring out its colour.

Active and social, and most settled when kept with its own kind.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can. Larger groups are calmer and show better colour and behaviour.

Not territorial, although males may spar and display.

Suits a community of similar-sized, peaceful fish that like the same water. Avoid large predators, which will treat it as food. It is likely to eat shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

A large, fast-growing barb that eats a lot of plant matter and will strip soft plants. Feed vegetable-based pellets, blanched greens and peas, with some protein.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.