Description
Filament Barb (Dawkinsia filamentosa)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Dawkinsia filamentosa
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Family: Cyprinidae
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Origin: India, Sri Lanka
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Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)
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Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
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Tank Zone: Mid & bottom dwellers
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 150 – 300 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.5
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Temperature: 22 – 27°C (72 – 81°F)
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Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Silver body with a dark lateral line and reddish fins.
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Males develop long filament-like extensions on dorsal fins.
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Active, fast swimmers and peaceful shoaling fish.
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Display best colors in planted or natural setups.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous.
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Diet: High-quality pellets, flakes, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), blanched vegetables.
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Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (for a small group).
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Filtration: Strong filter with good water movement.
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Decor: Open swimming space, plants, driftwood, rocks.
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Water Change: 30–40% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: 6 or more (shoaling species).
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Tank Mates: Tetras, Rasboras, Gouramis, Loaches, Corydoras, other peaceful barbs.
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Avoid: Aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or very small fish (may get chased).
✅ Do’s
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Keep in groups to reduce stress and aggression.
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Provide open areas for swimming and planted zones for resting.
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Use strong filtration to handle their activity.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep in small tanks – they need space.
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Don’t mix with aggressive or territorial fish.
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Don’t keep in poor water quality (sensitive to dirty tanks).
⭐ Quick Tips
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Large, active, and beautiful shoaling fish.
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Best suited for medium to large community aquariums.
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Males with long dorsal filaments make them stand out as a centerpiece spe
