The Longfin Barb adds fun and excitement to aquariums. They are extremely active and very beautiful. When full grown, they become a prize to own.

Longfin Barbs have a good community temperament. They enjoy being in groups and will form schools. They are very active and will always be the first to get the food. However, they should be kept with other active fish. Neon Tetras should not be kept with any Longfin Barbs, as the Longfin will eat the Neon Tetras. They like moderately decorated tanks, with lots of plant life. However, they should not be kept with small plants, as they will eat them.

The Longfin Barb, when mature, will reach a size of roughly three to five inches, making for a good-sized fish. Longfins have brown bodies with dark vertical strips. The dorsal fin is black and the caudal fin is red. The anal fin will have red coloration of the edge. Longfin Barbs usually do not gain their red coloration until they are bigger than two inches. Males can be distinguished by their longer dorsal fins.

The Longfin Barb, or Barbus arulius, is originally from Eastern India.

This fish is fairly easy to keep. They like colder water temperatures, from 68 to 77 degrees fahrenheit. The water should be slightly acidic, with a pH level from six to seven. Their water should be changed regularly. Longfins should be fed flakes or live foods, such as blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp or plankton.

Longfin Barbs will lay their eggs in thick vegetation. The eggs are sticky and will adhere to the plants. If not separated, the parents will eat the eggs. Like the goldfish, the male will develop white spots near its mouth when spawning.