Butterfly Barb
Barbus hulstaerti
Butterfly Barb is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Butterfly Barb?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 63–75°F (17–24°C)
- pH
- 5–6.5
- GH
- 1–5 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a loose group of 8+
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 17–24 °C, pH 5–6.5, GH 1–5 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Butterfly Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Butterfly Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Offer varied suitably sized foods, including regular live or frozen prey; do not rely on dried food alone.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
- Make room for its social group.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Keep in a loose group of 8+.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Butterfly Barb get?
Butterfly Barb reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm).
What aquarium size does Butterfly Barb need?
Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Is Butterfly Barb peaceful?
Yes. Butterfly Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Butterfly Barb?
Keep it between 17 to 24 °C.
Should Butterfly Barb be kept alone or in a group?
Butterfly Barb: Keep in a loose group of 8+.
