Barbs are versatile fish. Many aquarists consider them the most underrated species because of their striking appearance, hardy nature, easy care, low maintenance, and jovial attributes.
According to scientists, there are at least 1665 types of barb fish, but few of them are in the aquarium trend. Barb fish are small fish with distinct patterns and different colorations that boost aquariums’ beauty.
In this blog, we are discussing the twenty-five rarest barb fish types suitable for water tanks. Barb fish care is not hard, but you should know about it before adding them to your tank. Therefore, this blog contains a barb care guide so you never lose your aquatic pet.
Let’s dive into the blog without further delay.
Rare Barb Fish Types
Here are the twenty-five selected types of barb fish. Let us learn about each in detail.
African Banded Fish
African banded fish are a top choice from the barb family. They are colorful, with golden colors and vertical patterns. Found in West Africa, their body is elongated with anal, pectoral, and dorsal fins.
The fin’s color is the same as the body. They have bigger eyes and grow up to 3 to 4 inches only. And live in community fish tanks happily at normal water parameters.
- Scientific Name: Microctenopoma fasciolatum
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, frozen, live food
- Origin: West Africa
- Temperature: 72-82°F or 22-28°C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Aurelius Barb
Aruilius barbs are one of the most sought-after barb types by the aquarist. Their slender bodies with silver color add charm to their appearance. They have vertical black patterns on the upper side.
These are found in India. Their care is easy because of their peaceful nature and acclimation in different water conditions.
- Scientific Name: Puntius arulius
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: India
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Bandula Barb
Another barb fish from the rare type of barb types are the bandula barb. With bright colors and vertical patterns, they are the aquarists’ love.
They are found in Sri Lanka and are easy to care for. They can live in 10-gallon water tanks with other peaceful fish.
- Scientific Name: Pethia bandula
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Black Ruby Barb
The black ruby barb is certainly one of the rare barb fish types. With a ruby color at the start of the body that adds a mesmerizing appearance, the black rear body is no less than a luxurious touch.
They grow up to 2 inches and thrive in 15-gallon fish tanks. They are easy to care for and peaceful in temperament.
- Scientific Name: Pethia nigrofasciata
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Blue Spotted Hill Trout
Blue spotted hill trout are certainly outwardly barb fish type. They are silver in color and have a bluish appearance. As the name indicates, blue spotted hill trout have blue vertical patterns on the mid.
They have a bigger size than the average barb, growing up to 8 inches. Being bigger, they require a 50-gallon water tank.
- Scientific Name: Barbodes gonionotus
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Adult Size: 6-8 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia Mekong Basin
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Borneo Red Fin Silver
Borneo red fin silver are work of art. Their appearance is hard to describe, but let me describe it. They have a golden or yellow body divided at the center with a black line that starts from the mouth and ends at the anal fins.
Moreover, they have reddish fins. These grow up to 2.5 inches and thrive in 10 gallons of the water tank.
- Scientific Name: Pethia cumingii
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Borneo
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Butterfly Barb
It is not wrong to call these fish butterflies. They are white/silver in coloration with black round markings all over the body. Their fins are different colors, i.e., a fin has three different patterns, starting with black, then white, and ending with black.
Butterfly barbs grow up to 3 inches, which is why they require a medium-sized water tank of 20 gallons. They are peaceful and hardy, which is why they require less maintenance.
- Scientific Name: Puntius ocellatus
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Thailand, Myanmar
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Check Red Barb
Checker red barbs are peaceful barbs that require low care and are easy to maintain and keep. They have dotted bodies with white and black colors. Their fins are slightly reddish, which is why they are called the check red bard.
These fish grow up to 3 inches and also require 20 gallons. Check Red Barb eats flakes, pallets, and frozen food.
- Scientific Name: Desmopuntius johorensis
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Malaysia
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Cherry Barb
Cherry barbs are reddish barbs. Their striking appearance makes them one of the most rare species of the barb family.
They have black markings at the center. Cherry Barb’s body is a slender one. These are easy to care for. Cherry barb for up to 2 inches and requires a 15-gallon water tank.
- Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Temperature: 73-81°F or 23-27°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Chinese Barb
Chinese barbs are yellow in color with black markings at the center of the body. They are called Chinese barbs because they are found in China.
They are easy to care for, and any newbie aquarist can keep them also. These grow up to 2 inches and require a 20-gallon water tank. Maintain water parameters and feed them with flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods, and these are all good.
- Scientific Name: Puntius semifasciolatus
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: China
- Temperature: 64-75°F or 18-24°C
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Clown Barb
Clown barbs are the most interesting species among barbs. These are called clowns because of their interesting behavior and clown-like appearance.
They are reddish with black markings all over the bodies. Fins color is almost the same, but lighter than the bodies. Clown barbs grow up to 3 to 4 inches and thrive in 30-gallon water tanks.
Unlike other peaceful rare barbs, clown barbs are semi-aggressive and require higher care than other barbs. They thrive in home-temperature water elves but are hard to accommodate with other fish types.
- Scientific Name: Puntius everetti
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia Borneo
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Curmuca Barb
Curmuca barbs, scientifically known as petha curmuca, are barb fish with silver color and golden paint all over the body. Their slender bodies make them rare.
They are tiny fish that grow only up to 10 gallons and feed on flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. They are peaceful in nature and are easy to maintain and care for.
- Scientific Name: Pethia curmuca
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: India
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Denison Barb
Denison barbs are one of the most interesting and my favorite barbs. They have many color variations. Let me explain.
They are golden or yellow in color with a black pattern/line in the center from head to tail. With the black line, another red line starts at the mouth and ends at the center. Fins are colorful also, with red, blue, and white colorations.
They grow up to 6 inches in suitable conditions and require a 50-gallon tank. Their favorite water temperatures range from 68 to 79 Fahrenheit and pH levels from 6.5 to 7.5.
- Scientific Name: Sahyadria denisonii
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: India Western Ghats
- Temperature: 68-79°F or 20-26°C
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Drop Fin Barb
Drop fin barbs, scientifically named Sahyadria chalakkudiensis, are petite and graceful barbs originating from India.
They have a peaceful temperament, ideal for community tanks. With an adult size of 2.5 to 3 inches, they thrive in a minimum tank size of 20 gallons.
Their diet consists of flakes, pellets, and various live or frozen foods. These barbs prefer a temperature range of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Sahyadria Chalakkudiensis
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: India
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Dwarf Ember Barbs
Dwarf ember barbs, scientifically classified as Microdevario Kubota, are miniature gems originating from Thailand.
These tiny, peaceful fish reach a mere 0.8-1 inch in length, making them perfect for smaller tanks of at least 10 gallons.
Their diet includes small live and frozen foods, along with fine flakes and pellets. These barbs thrive in temperatures of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Microdevario kubotai
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 0.8-1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: small live and frozen foods, fine flakes, and pellets
- Origin: Thailand
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Gold Barbs
Gold barbs, known scientifically as Puntius semifasciolatus, are peaceful and vibrant fish hailing from Southeast Asia, specifically China.
With an adult size of 2-3 inches, they require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and a variety of live or frozen foods.
Gold barbs prefer temperatures ranging from 64-75°F and a pH of 6.0-8.0.
- Scientific Name: Puntius semifasciolatus
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia, China
- Temperature: 64-75°F or 18-24°C
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Indian Hifin Barb
Indian hifin barbs, scientifically named Pethia padamya, are peaceful and captivating species native to India.
They grow up to 2 inches in length, making them well-suited for tanks as small as 10 gallons. Their diet consists of flakes, pellets, and a range of live or frozen foods.
These barbs thrive in temperatures of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Pethia Padamya
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: India
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Jae Barb
Jae barbs, scientifically referred to as Dawkinsia filamentosa, are serene fish originating from Sri Lanka. They reach an adult size of 3-4 inches and require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.
Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and various live or frozen foods. Jae barbs prefer temperatures of 73-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Dawkinsia filamentosa
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Temperature: 73-79°F or 23-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Lemon Fin Barb
Lemon fin barbs, known scientifically as Puntius sp. ‘golden’, are peaceful and attractive fish originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand.
With an adult size of 2-2.5 inches, they thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and a variety of live or frozen foods.
Lemon fin barbs prefer temperatures of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Puntius sp. ‘golden’
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Thailand
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Lined Barb
Lined barbs, scientifically classified as Puntius lineatus, are peaceful and striking fish native to Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia and Malaysia.
They reach an adult size of 2.5-3 inches, making them suitable for tanks of at least 20 gallons.
Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and various live or frozen foods. Lined barbs prefer temperatures of 72-79°F) and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Puntius lineatus
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Lipstick Barb
The scientifically named Puntius everetti Lipstick barbs are semi-aggressive and intriguing fish originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo.
They grow to a size of 3-4 inches and require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons. Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and a variety of live or frozen foods.
Lipstick barbs prefer temperatures of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Scientific Name: Puntius everetti
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia Borneo
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Mahecola Barb
Mahecola barbs, scientifically known as Pethia mahecola, are peaceful and enchanting fish native to India.
They grow up to 2 inches long, making them suitable for tanks as small as 10 gallons. Their diet consists of flakes, pellets, and various live or frozen foods.
Mahecola barbs prefer temperatures of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Pethia mahecola
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: India
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Mascara Barb
Mascara barbs, known as Puntius rhomboocellatus, are peaceful and alluring fish from Sri Lanka.
They reach an adult size of 2-3 inches and require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and various live or frozen foods.
Mascara barbs prefer temperatures of 73-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Puntius rhomboocellatus
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Temperature: 73-79°F or 23-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Odessa Barb
Odessa barbs, scientifically classified as Pethia padamya, are peaceful and captivating fish originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar.
They reach an adult size of 2-2.5 inches, making them suitable for tanks of at least 20 gallons. Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and a variety of live or frozen foods.
Odessa barbs prefer temperatures of 72-79°F and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Pethia Padamya
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia Myanmar
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Pentazona Barb
Pentazona barbs, scientifically known as Puntius pentazona, are peaceful and attractive fish native to Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo and Sumatra.
They reach an adult size of 2-2.5 inches and require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. Their diet includes flakes, pellets, and various live or frozen foods.
Pentazona barbs prefer temperatures of 72-79°F (22-26°C) and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Scientific Name: Puntius pentazona
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Diet: flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Origin: Southeast Asia Borneo, Sumatra
- Temperature: 72-79°F or 22-26°C
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Difficulty to Breed: Moderate
- Planted Tank Suitability: Yes
Barb Fish Care Guide
Barbs are a delight for any aquarium. They are hardy fish that require low care. But, like every aquarium fish, they also have some requirements to thrive happily. Here are the ways to keep your barbs happy.
Water Requirements for Barbs
Barb fish prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 6.8 to 7.8 and alkalinity between 3° and 8° dkH for their water requirements.
As they are found in tropical regions, keep the temperature between 75° and 80° F. Moreover, regular water changes are vital for clean and clear water. For it, do a 10% change each week or 25% every two weeks.
Before refilling, use a conditioner like Aqueon to neutralize tap water chemicals. And one more thing: add beneficial bacteria to the water.
Housing Requirements for Barbs
Housing or tank size requirements vary for each barb type. Small barbs like cherry and gold thrive in 10-20 gallon tanks. Larger ones, such as tiger and rosy barbs, need at least 30 gallons.
Bigger species, like denisonii and tinfoil barbs, require 55 gallons or more. Barbs prefer groups of 6 to 10 and need lots of swimming space.
Behavior and Compatibility
Barbs are active swimmers and social in nature. They need tank mates that are quick and of similar size. Avoid slow or long-finned fish, as barbs might nip them.
Good companions of barbs are given below:
Barb Fish Tank Mates
- Tinfoil barb
- Black-skirt tetra
- White skirt tetra
- Congo tetras
- Lemon tetra
- Zebra Danio
- Swordtail
- Molly
- Corydoras catfish
- Common plecostomus
- Rubber-lip pleco
- Rosy barb
- Cherry barb
- Odessa barb
- Otocinclus
- Kuhli loach
- Platy
- Dwarf gourami
- Pearl gourami
- Neon tetra
Diet of Barbs
Most of the barbs are omnivores. They eat palettes, frozen and live foods, and flakes. You can also feed them granules or pellets.
But never overfeed them or cut their daily food proportion. Keep the balance. Feed them small amounts twice a day, and make sure they finish within 2 minutes.
Breeding Barbs – Intermediate Level
Breeding barbs is tough. They lay eggs and might eat themselves or other Barbados, so they need separate tanks when breeding time comes.
Males are helpful during the breeding season. They guide females to plant-rich areas for spawning. Fry, or young fish, hatch within days. Fry’s special care is vital for their survival.
Common Illnesses in Barb Fish
Barbs are fragile to many diseases. These can be caused by the bite of other fish, low-quality water conditions, aging, stress, or any other factor.
When ill, barbs show odd behaviors, like stress, slow movement, loneliness, and shunning food. These are the common diseases in the barbs.
- Fin/tail rot
- Dropsy fluid filled coelomic cavity
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Cancer
- Ich
- Pop eye
- Fungal oral or skin infections
- Swim bladder disorders
Conclusion
Now, you know all about barb fish and their types. This blog comprehensively educated about caring, tankmates, disease, and tank setup of all types of barb fish.
It was all from me.
I hope you like it. If you have anything to add or suggest, please leave a comment below.
If you are interested in other fish or want to explore more types of fish, I suggest you learn about fish with legs.