Freshwater Barbs Care Guide

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

 2-12 inches depending on species (Most stay 3 inches or smaller)  

WATER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 

74-78 F

TANK REQUIREMENTS 

10-55 gallons depending on species

SWIM LEVEL

Mid level

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Freshwater Barbs are semi aggressive highly active schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 5 or more. Many Barb species are known to nip so they are best kept with other like sized semi aggressive species with short fins. The exception being smaller species such as Cherry Barbs who are generally very peaceful.

FEEDING

Offer your Barbs fish flakes, appropriately sized pellets, or frozen or freeze-dried insect larvae daily. Most aquariums should be offered food twice a day in a quantity that can be completely consumed by its inhabitants within 1-2 minutes. Left over foods should be removed from the aquarium to avoid rotting. Stock level and types of species may require adjustments to these feeding recommendations. 

SUPPLEMENTS

While supplements are not usually needed for Freshwater Barbs if they are fed a varied diet, a lot of research has been done to suggest giving Vitamin C to a fish helps in disease prevention and healing.

ENVIRONMENT

Barbs do best in soft acidic water so measures may need to be taken to soften your water to create the ideal environment for your fish. A great natural water softener is natural driftwood. Plants and décor should be added to the aquarium to provide hiding spots and obstacles to swim through.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING NEW FISH

We recommend water acclamation and 24 hours of quarantine (if possible) for your new Freshwater Fish. To achieve this float the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At this point you can add small amounts of your tank water to the fish bag every 15 minutes or so 3-4 times. At this point, catch your new fish out of the bag and release it into your quarantine aquarium.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Tropical pellet or flake foods 
• Frozen or freeze-dried insect larvae 
• Driftwood or water softeners for hard tap water 
• Live or artificial aquatic plants 
• Aquarium decor (for hiding)

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.