Tinfoil Barb – Barbonymus Schwanenfeldii – Thai Fish Species
Species: Barbonymus schwanenfeldii.
Common name: Tinfoil Barb, Goldfoil Barb, Brassen barbe. Thai Name: Pla Tapien Ang Daeng
Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia, found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, they may also be found in smaller populations or introduced into other countries within the region.
Habitat: The species are typically found in various freshwater habitats. They are often associated with rivers and streams, can be found in both main river channels and smaller tributaries. Can also inhabit large lakes, including oxbow lakes and man-made reservoirs. They prefer areas of slow-moving or still waters within rivers and streams. These slow-flowing sections often have calmer conditions and are rich in vegetation and submerged structures. During the rainy season, they may migrate into flooded fields, floodplains, and other areas that become temporarily inundated. These flooded areas provide additional foraging opportunities and breeding grounds. They like to stay in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, submerged roots, and other forms of underwater vegetation. These provide both shelter and a source of food.
Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii)
Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii)Tinfoil Barb are a species of freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. These fish are well-known and popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and active nature. They are named for their silvery or metallic appearance, which resembles tinfoil. They have elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies with large, reflective scales that give them their characteristic shiny appearance. While they are primarily silver or metallic in color, they often exhibit hints of reddish or golden coloration on their fins and scales, especially when they are healthy and well-fed. They are active swimmers and are known for their schooling behavior. This schooling behavior provides them with safety from predators and allows them to efficiently forage for food. They prefer to be in groups of their own kind and thrive in the company of other Tinfoil Barb.
Lifespan and Size
The lifespan of Tinfoil Barb in the wild can vary depending on several factors, including their habitat, food availability, predation pressures, and environmental conditions. In their natural habitat, they typically have a lifespan that ranges from 5 to 10 years on average. In captivity, where they are protected from many natural threats and provided with optimal conditions, Tinfoil Barb can often live longer than their wild counterparts. With proper care, they can live for 10 to 15 years or even longer in an aquarium setting.
In their natural habitat, the size of Tinfoil Barb can vary depending on their age, growth rate, and environmental conditions. In the wild, adults can reach lengths of up to 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) or even larger in some cases. However, the average size of adults in their natural habitat may be somewhat smaller, depending on factors like available food resources and environmental conditions. It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines, and individual fish may exhibit variations in size based on their unique circumstances. In captivity, where they are provided with consistent feeding and ideal conditions. They can grow quickly and may reach larger sizes than their wild counterparts. The present world record is 2.00 kg (4 lbs. 6 oz)). Caught in the waters of Mae Klong River, Ratchaburi, Thailand, on August 5, 2014.
Diet
In the wild, Tinfoil Barb have an omnivorous diet, meaning they consume both plant matter and small aquatic animals. Their diet is diverse and can vary depending on the specific habitat and food availability. They feed on a variety of aquatic plants and algae. They may graze on submerged and floating vegetation, including aquatic mosses, algae mats, and the tender parts of aquatic plants. The species also consume various small invertebrates found in the water, including insect larvae, crustaceans (such as tiny shrimps and small freshwater crayfish), and zooplankton.
They are opportunistic feeders and may consume organic detritus and decaying plant material. This helps recycle nutrients in their ecosystem. Tinfoil Barb may prey on small fish fry or fish eggs, particularly during their breeding season when they are actively foraging for food. They will also readily consume aquatic insects, terrestrial insects that fall into the water And flying insects that are near the water’s surface. Their diet can vary throughout the year, depending on the seasonal availability of food sources. During the wet season when their habitats may flood, they may have access to a wider variety of food items due to the expansion of their environment. In contrast, during the dry season, food sources may be more limited.
Tinfoil Barb Breeding Timeline
Tinfoil Barb breeding behavior is influenced by seasonal changes in their natural habitat, particularly when water levels rise, and conditions become favorable for spawning. The rainy season typically leads to an increase in water levels, the flooding of floodplains and areas adjacent to rivers and streams. This flooding creates new habitats, including shallow, slow-moving waters with submerged vegetation. Known to engage in group spawning, which means that multiple individuals of both sexes participate in the breeding process. During this time, males and females gather in suitable spawning areas. The male Tinfoil Barb may prepare potential spawning sites by clearing debris, leaves, and detritus from submerged vegetation or submerged structures like roots and branches. These cleaned areas serve as suitable locations for egg deposition.
The female releases their eggs into the prepared spawning sites, and the male fertilizes them externally by releasing sperm. The adhesive eggs stick to the substrate, such as plant leaves or submerged objects. In some cases, the adults may guard the eggs and provide some protection against potential predators. However, this level of care can vary among individuals and populations. After a certain incubation period, the fertilized eggs hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae are very tiny and vulnerable at this stage and may drift with the water currents. The survival rate of the fry (young fish) in the wild can be relatively low due to predation and other environmental factors. Those that survive will grow and develop over time.
Gender
Gender determination of Tinfoil Barb can be challenging, especially when they are young, as there are no prominent external sexual dimorphism characteristics (physical differences between males and females). However, as they mature and approach breeding age, subtle differences may become noticeable. In some cases, females may be slightly larger and have a fuller body shape compared to males. Males may appear slimmer, especially when they are not actively in breeding condition.
During the breeding season, males may exhibit slightly longer, and more pointed dorsal and anal fins compared to females. These elongated fins can be more noticeable when the males are actively courting females. When females are ready to spawn, they may have a slightly rounder belly, which could be more pronounced when they are carrying eggs. There can be slight differences in coloration, especially when Tinfoil Barb are in breeding condition. Males may exhibit more intense colors and brighter hues, particularly on the fins, to attract females.
Observing their behavior can provide clues about their sex. Males may become more territorial and engage in courting behavior, such as chasing females or displaying their fins more prominently. In some cases, you may be able to sex Tinfoil Barbs by examining the genital papilla, a small protrusion located just in front of the anal fin. In females, it may appear rounder and more pronounced, while in males, it may be slightly narrower and more pointed. However, this method may require experience and careful observation.
Additionally, individual variations can occur, and not all Tinfoil Barb will exhibit the same characteristics. The best way to accurately sex them is through observation of their behavior during the breeding season, especially if they are in an environment where they exhibit breeding behavior.
Tinfoil Barb Fishing method
This fish species is not typically targeted for sport or commercial fishing, and they are primarily known as aquarium fish rather than as a target species for fishing. In their native range in Southeast Asia, they may be encountered by local fishermen using various traditional fishing methods, but they are generally not a significant catch. If you do happen to encounter Tinfoil Barb in their natural habitat and wish to catch them, they can be caught by bait fishing or by fly fishing with Nymph and dry flies.