Butterfly Barb

Barbus hulstaerti

Butterfly Barb is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Intermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm)
Aquarium size
26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle swimmer
Temperature
61–73°F (16–23°C)
pH
4.5–6.5
GH
0–6 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 5+

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 / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 16–23 °C, pH 4.5–6.5, GH 0–6 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Butterfly Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Butterfly Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 5+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

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.

Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Black Phantom Tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

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 / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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 16 to 23 °C.

Should Butterfly Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Butterfly Barb: Keep in a school of 5+.

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