Filament Barb, Pet City, Pet City hastings
Filament Barb, Pet City, Pet City hastings

Filament Barb

$22.99 NZD $18.99 NZD Save 17% Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Live Fish

Size: 1 x
  • DOA Cover*
  • Insulated Box & Heat Pads
Shipping & Returns

All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).

We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.

We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.

Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
  • DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
  • Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
  • Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
  • DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
  • DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.

Click Here for DOA Cover Policy
Introducing New Fish

Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!

  1. Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
  2. Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
  3. Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
  4. Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Size

Filament Barb

Filament Barbs are a really stunning addition to the larger aquarium. Active, relatively peaceful towards fish of a similar size, and of a striking appearance when mature. They are a shoaling species and are best maintained in groups of at least 6 specimens, and preferably more.

The aquarium should be well-filtered with a high flow rate, and frequent partial water changes should be carried out to keep nitrate levels at a minimum. Filament Barbs appreciate some shady planted areas, but because of their appetite for all things green and leafy, only the more robust plant species (Java fern, Anubias sp. etc) should be chosen

Species Overview

  • Common Name: Filament Barb

  • Scientific Name: Dawkinsia filamentosa

  • Family: Cyprinidae (the carp and minnow family)

  • Origin: India and Sri Lanka; commonly found in rivers and streams in the Western Ghats.

Identification

  • Size: Typically 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), but can grow slightly larger in the wild.

  • Body Shape: Streamlined and slightly compressed.

  • Coloration:

    • Silver body with a golden sheen.

    • Prominent black lateral stripe running from the gill plate to the caudal fin.

    • Males exhibit red or orange in the fins and base of the tail during maturity.

  • Filamentous Extensions: Mature males develop elongated filaments on the dorsal and caudal fins—hence the name.

Behavior & Temperament

  • Temperament: Peaceful and active.

  • Social: Shoaling fish; should be kept in groups of at least 6–8 to minimize aggression and stress.

  • Tank Region: Primarily mid to upper levels of the tank.

Tank Requirements

  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 22–26°C

    • pH: 6.5–7.5

    • Hardness: 5–15 dGH

  • Substrate: Sand or gravel with plants and driftwood to simulate natural habitat.

  • Filtration & Flow: Moderate to strong water flow mimics their riverine environment.

Diet

  • Type: Omnivorous

  • Diet Includes:

    • Flake and pellet foods

    • Live/frozen: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms

    • Vegetables: spinach, peas, blanched lettuce

Breeding

  • Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

  • Spawning Type: Egg scatterers

  • Breeding Conditions:

    • Slightly warmer water

    • Dense plants or spawning mops

    • Separate breeding tank recommended

  • Parental Care: No parental care; adults may eat eggs.

Ideal Tankmates

  • Other peaceful barbs

  • Danios

  • Rasboras

  • Loaches

  • Dwarf cichlids

  • Avoid fin-nippers or overly aggressive species

 

***Photos for reference only*** If you like updated photo please contact us and we will send you photos/video of actual fish that you are purchasing.

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