The Filament Barb is a lively, active schooling fish native to the rivers of southern India. They are known for their shimmering bodies, distinct black caudal spot, and preference for open swimming space. Due to their size and high energy, they require large aquariums with robust filtration. They can be fin-nippers if kept in too small of a school and may nibble on soft-leaved plants.
Filament Barb At a Glance
Filament Barb Tank Requirements
Will Filament Barb fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Filament Barb needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Filament Barb against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Filament Barb Water Parameters
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Filament Barb Temperament & Compatibility
Filament Barb Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males develop a striking metallic coloration and characteristic filament-like extensions on the dorsal fin as they mature. They will actively spar and display for females within the school.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Male Filament Barb, Show Male
Female
Females are generally slightly larger, heavier-bodied, and lack the dorsal fin filaments seen in males. They are also less intensely colored.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female Filament Barb
Filament Barb Care Guide Summary
The Filament Barb, scientifically known as Dawkinsia filamentosa, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Filament Barb requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 240 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Filament Barb is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Filament Barb Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Filament Barb, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Filament Barb Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Filament Barb is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Filament Barb Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Filament Barb.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
240 Liter (120cm Standard)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Filament Barb
How big does Filament Barb get?
Filament Barb (Dawkinsia filamentosa) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Filament Barb need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 240 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Filament Barb. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Filament Barb need?
Filament Barb thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Filament Barb peaceful or aggressive?
Filament Barb is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Filament Barb should be kept together?
Filament Barb is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Filament Barb have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Filament Barb benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Filament Barb need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Filament Barb is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Filament Barb
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Filament Barb based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesWrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
Ideal Tank MatesPacific Sturgeon
Acipenser transmontanus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Ideal Tank MatesMurray River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Ideal Tank MatesMadagascar Rainbowfish
Bedotia madagascariensis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Filament Barb
These plants pair well with Filament Barb based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Fish Similar to Filament Barb
Tambraparni Barb
Puntius tambraparniei
The Tambraparni Barb (now scientifically classified as Dawkinsia tambraparniei) is a medium-sized, highly active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers of the Western Ghats in India. Known for their shimmering silver bodies adorned with striking dark blotches, they require a spacious aquarium with high water flow and high dissolved oxygen. While peaceful, their boisterous swimming can stress shy tank mates.
Arulius Barb
Dawkinsia arulius
A robust, highly active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers of southern India. Known for their striking vertical bars and the beautiful dorsal fin extensions developed by mature males. Because of their energetic swimming habits and size, they require highly oxygenated water, decent current, and a spacious aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming room.
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
A large, active, and schooling riverine species that quickly outgrows standard aquariums. Known for their metallic silver scales and red fins. They are notoriously skittish, robust eaters, and will consume almost any live plant or small fish that fits in their mouths. A massive tank with strong filtration is strictly required.
Cigar Shark (Mad Barb)
Leptobarbus hoevenii
A massive, incredibly active schooling fish native to Southeast Asian rivers. Despite the 'shark' moniker, it is a giant cyprinid (carp). It grows exceptionally large and fast, requiring massive aquariums or heated ponds. Known as the 'Mad Barb' due to its erratic swimming and tendency to jump when startled. They are omnivorous and will eat anything that fits in their mouth, including smaller fish and plants.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Barred Rainbowfish
Chilatherina fasciata
A robust, active, and highly colorful schooling fish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of New Guinea. They are named for the distinctive vertical black bars on their lower flanks. As highly active swimmers that do best in hard, alkaline water, they require a spacious, long aquarium (minimum 4 feet) with strong oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space.