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Other large Cyprinids, Rasboras, Danios and Loaches. Since this fish can reach a length of 6″, stay away from any tankmates small enough to be considered food.
Also called Black-Spot Barbs, this species is endemic to India where it can be found in clear streams, estuaries and ponds as well as lakes and lowland rivers. These fish grow to a maximum length around 6 inches and exhibit distinctive scissorlike tails tipped in black and red. Black-Spot Filament Barbs have silver or green-blue scales with a large black spot on the flanks near the tail.
Black-Spot Filament Barbs are fairly undemanding and thrive in groups with 8 to 10 of their own species. These fish may tolerate a variety of tank conditions but prefer a temperature range between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Because they can appear washed out in tanks that are sparsely decorated, these fish should be kept in well-planted tanks with dark substrate and good lighting. Since they naturally inhabit streams and rivers, a tank with well oxygenated water and some degree of current would be beneficial to imitate their natural environment.
In the wild, Black-Spot Filament Barbs are omnivores that feed on a variety of worms, insects and crustaceans. In the home aquarium, these fish are easily fed and will likely accept anything you give them. Offer these Barbs a staple diet of small live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and Daphnia. Supplement this diet with high-quality flakes and plenty of plant matter such as Spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables. For optimum health and coloration, feed a varied diet on a regular basis.
Like many Barbs, Black-Spot Filament Barbs can be spawned in groups as well as in pairs. Because males of the species can be aggressive, however, it is wise to provide plenty of cover in the breeding tank so the female can hide when necessary. The breeding tank should be dimly lit and decorated with clumps of fine-leaved plants to give the female a place to deposit the eggs. The water in the tank should be maintained at a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a neutral pH. Following spawning, the adults should be removed from the tank because they exhibit no parental care and may actually eat the eggs and young fry.
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