Description

Filament Barb (Dawkinsia filamentosa)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Dawkinsia filamentosa

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: India, Sri Lanka

• Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)

• Lifespan: 8 – 10 years

• Tank Zone: Mid & bottom dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 300 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 22 – 27°C (72 – 81°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Silver body with a dark lateral line and reddish fins.

• Males develop long filament-like extensions on dorsal fins.

• Active, fast swimmers and peaceful shoaling fish.

• Display best colors in planted or natural setups.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous.

• Diet: High-quality pellets, flakes, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), blanched vegetables.

• Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small portions.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (for a small group).

• Filtration: Strong filter with good water movement.

• Decor: Open swimming space, plants, driftwood, rocks.

• Water Change: 30–40% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 6 or more (shoaling species).

• Tank Mates: Tetras, Rasboras, Gouramis, Loaches, Corydoras, other peaceful barbs.

• Avoid: Aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or very small fish (may get chased).

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups to reduce stress and aggression.

• Provide open areas for swimming and planted zones for resting.

• Use strong filtration to handle their activity.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in small tanks – they need space.

• Don’t mix with aggressive or territorial fish.

• Don’t keep in poor water quality (sensitive to dirty tanks).

⭐ Quick Tips

• Large, active, and beautiful shoaling fish.

• Best suited for medium to large community aquariums.

• Males with long dorsal filaments make them stand out as a centerpiece spe