Top Five Barbs - Tropical Fish for the Home Aquarium

Barbs are a family of fish which are found in every continent except South America. They have long, torpedo-shaped bodies, no adipose fin, and often small barbels at the corners of the mouth. These fish are scientifically named cyprinids, as are their carp cousins. They are one of the more popular types of fish to keep in a tropical, freshwater aquarium at home.

Aquarium Fish - Rosy Bard

The rosy barb is one of the larger varieties. It can grow up to six inches long. The body of this fish is elongated with a long caudal peduncle. The scales are a warm pink or orangey red color. There are varieties with flowing fins. These fish are fine in a community tank of tropical fish.

Aquarium Fish - Cuming's Barb

The Cuming's bard is also a colorful addition to a community fish tank. It has a golden body with reddish fins and two black spots. This barb only grows to two inches long. It is an active fish that likes living in a group of the same species.

Aquarium Fish - Striped Barb

This barb has a longer body that the others mentioned here. Growing up to two and a half inches, the body is decorated with a few horizontal black stripes. The rest of the scales are general tannish yellow. Another fast-swimming barb, leave plenty of open space in your aquarium.

Aquarium Fish - Tinfoil Barb

The tinfoil barb can grow up to fourteen inches long and therefore will outgrow many home aquariums. It should be kept with larger species of fish only. This barb has silvery scales covering its body, hence its common name, and red tinged fins and tail. It is a very attractive species of barb, and can be kept when small in a community fish tank.

Aquarium Fish - Tiger Barb

One of the more commonly found types of barbs, the tiger bard has the reputation of being a fin-nipper. Kept in schools of at least six in a large aquarium, this fault may be overcome. This two inch long barb has attractive red coloration with bold black stripes.

These barbs are attractive tropical freshwater fish that are fun and easy to keep in a home aquarium. With care, they are mostly acceptable in community fish tanks with many other types of fish. Enjoy keeping barbs in your aquarium.