Barbonymus schwanefeldii (Bleeker, 1854)
Tinfoil barb
Barbonymus schwanefeldii
photo by Ramani Shirantha

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Cyprininae
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7; dH range: 10, potamodromous
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Distinguished from other species of the genus in having a red dorsal fin with a black blotch at the tip, red pectoral, pelvic and anal fins, red caudal fin with white margin and a black submarginal stripe along each lobe, and 8 scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line (Ref. 27732). Large individuals silvery or golden yellow in life with its dorsal fin red and caudal fin orange or blood-red (Ref. 2091).
Biology:  Found in rivers, streams, canals and ditches (Ref. 12693). Occurs in medium to large-sized rivers and enters flooded fields (Ref. 12975). In east Kalimantan, Indonesia a temperature range of 20.4-33.7°C was recorded for this species (Ref. 6129). Largely herbivorous, consuming aquatic macrophytes and submerged land plants, as well as filamentous algae and occasionally insects (Ref. 12693). Also feeds on small fishes (Ref. 12693), worms and crustaceans (Ref. 7020). Usually marketed fresh (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 January 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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