Filament Barb

Dawkinsia filamentosa

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Other names: Blackspot barb, Dawkinsia filamentosa, Puntius filamentosus, Barbus filamentosus

Group: Barbs and cyprinids · Family: Cyprinidae · Origin: South Asia — southwestern India (Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu)

An active barb reaching 15 cm, recognized by the long, thread-like rays on the males' dorsal fin and the black spot on the caudal peduncle. It needs a large, well-oxygenated tank with flow.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 4–12 dGH
Adult size: 15 cm
Minimum tank size: 300 liters
Social structure: School
Group: at least 6, ideally 8+
Male–female ratio: Dişi ağırlıklı (1 erkek : 2 dişi)
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature20–26°C

pH6–7.5

General hardness (GH)4–12 dGH

Recommended range

May escape, needs a lid Eats shrimp Suitable for planted tanks

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The filament barb is a large, elegant barb from the streams of southwestern India. The rays of the dorsal fin in mature males extend into long filaments; the black spot on the caudal peduncle and the reddish tail lobes make the species easy to recognize. Juveniles have dark vertical bands on the body, which disappear as they grow. Adults reach 12–15 cm.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 300 liters and 150 cm in length for a group of 6–8.
22–25°C; clean, oxygenated water and moderate flow.
Sand-gravel substrate, rounded stones, roots and tough-leaved plants along the edges; plenty of swimming space in the middle.
It jumps; a tight lid is needed.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Omnivorous. Granules and flakes, spirulina, blanched vegetables; frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. It may eat dwarf shrimp and very small fish.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

A peaceful but fast and active schooling fish. Males display to each other by spreading their fins. It causes no problems with fish of similar size.

Good companions: peaceful species of similar size: Denison barbs, large danios and devarios, rainbowfish, clown loaches, plecos.

Avoid: dwarf shrimp, very small fish, and slow, shy species.

A short profile for this species

The Filament Barb page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.

Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

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