Red-tailed Tinfoil Barb

Barbonymus altus

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Other names: Red tail tinfoil, Barbonymus altus, Puntius altus, Barbodes altus

Group: Barbs and cyprinids · Family: Cyprinidae · Origin: Southeast Asia — Mekong and Chao Phraya basins

The smaller relative of the tinfoil barb: a gold-silver, deep-bodied schooling fish with a red tail. Even so, it reaches 20 cm; a group needs a tank of 500 liters or more.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 4–12 dGH
Adult size: 20 cm
Minimum tank size: 500 liters
Social structure: School
Group: at least 5, ideally 6+
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature22–27°C

pH6–7.5

General hardness (GH)4–12 dGH

Recommended range

May escape, needs a lid Eats small fish Eats shrimp Damages plants

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The red-tailed tinfoil barb is a deep-bodied barb that lives in the rivers of the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. It resembles the tinfoil barb, but its body has more of a golden tone and adults reach about 20 cm; it does not exceed 30 cm like its relative. Since it is sold in stores as small juveniles, its adult size and the need for a group should be taken into account before buying.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 500 liters and 180 cm in length for a group of 5–6.
23–26°C; powerful filtration, high oxygen levels and moderate flow.
A simple layout with roots and rocks; soft plants get eaten; plenty of open space in the middle.
It jumps when startled; a tight, heavy lid is needed.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Omnivorous and fond of plant foods. Granules and pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables, frozen mysis shrimp and bloodworms. It eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

A peaceful but fast and active schooling fish. It does not attack fish of similar size; small and slow species, however, are stressed by its speed or seen as prey.

Good companions: peaceful fish of similar size: T-barbs, bala sharks (in a very large tank), large gouramis, plecos, clown loaches.

Avoid: small schooling fish, dwarf shrimp, slow and shy species, planted tanks.

A short profile for this species

The Red-tailed Tinfoil 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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