Albino Platinum Tinfoil Barb (6-7”)

Scientific Name:

Barbonymus schwanenfeldii (Platinum Albino morph)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 12-14 inches (35 cm) in captivity, though often slightly smaller

• Lifespan: Typically 8–10 years, with excellent care potentially longer

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum Tank Size: 120-180 gallons (568 liters) for a group

• These barbs are very active and fast swimmers, needing plenty of open space

Water Changes and Care:

• Water Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.8

• Water Changes: 50% weekly to maintain pristine water quality

• Filtration: Strong, high-flow filtration system is essential due to their size and waste output

• Decor: Minimal decorations; prioritize swimming space with driftwood or smooth rocks and hardy plants (though plants may be eaten)

Tankmates:

Platinum Albino Tinfoil Barbs are generally peaceful, but can be territorial with each other especially in smaller numbers. Ideal tankmates include:

• Other large barbs (regular or red-tail tinfoil barbs), Silver dollars, Large peaceful cichlids (Severums, Uarus), Bichirs, Large catfish (e.g., Synodontis, Raphael cats), With caution they can be used as dithers with aggressive larger cichlids like carpintis and vieja.

• Avoid: Small community fish, slow or long-finned species (like angelfish or bettas), or very aggressive cichlids

Diet:

• Omnivorous: Accept a wide range of food

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets or floating sticks

• Supplement With:

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)

  • Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill)

  • Occasional fruits (like chopped melon or banana, in moderation)

• Feed 2–3 times daily in amounts they can consume in 2–3 minutes

Overview:

The Platinum Albino Tinfoil Barb is a selectively bred variety of the standard Barbonymus schwanenfeldii. It stands out with its shimmering white body. Like other tinfoil barbs, it is energetic, social, and thrives best in groups of 5 or more. Their platinum coloration makes them popular in large display aquariums, but they require substantial space and maintenance.

Natural Environment:

• Native to rivers, streams, and floodplains in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo, and the Mekong basin)

• Naturally found in fast-moving waters with sandy or muddy substrates

• In the wild, they live in large schools and feed on plant matter, small invertebrates, and organic debris

Breeding:

• Extremely difficult in home aquariums

• Barbonymus schwanenfeldii is a seasonal egg scatterer in the wild

• Successful breeding typically requires hormone treatments and very large ponds or commercial-scale facilities

• No parental care; eggs are scattered over vegetation or substrate and left to hatch