Approx Max Length : 3cm

Blacknose Butterfly Barb - Enteromius candens Fish Profile & Care Guide

The Blacknose Butterfly Barb (Enteromius candens) is a small and attractive African barb, still sometimes seen under its older name, Barbus candens. It is a delicate-looking species with a compact body, subtle beige to pinkish tones and dark body markings that become more noticeable when the fish are settled. Although it remains uncommon in the aquarium hobby, it is a rewarding species for experienced keepers who enjoy small, peaceful fish from soft, acidic freshwater habitats. Its modest size makes it suitable for carefully planned smaller aquaria, but it should never be treated as a casual community fish, as it is shy, easily outcompeted and at its best in a quiet, mature set-up.

The Blacknose Butterfly Barb is a sociable shoaling fish and should be kept in a group rather than as a pair or single specimen. A group of at least six is advisable, while a larger group will usually give more natural behaviour and better confidence. When maintained properly, the fish spend much of their time moving calmly through the middle and lower areas of the aquarium, often staying close to cover. In small numbers, they can become nervous, hide frequently and fail to show their best colour, so group size is an important part of their care.

The Blacknose Butterfly Barb is peaceful, but its tiny size means tankmates must be chosen with care. It is best kept with other small, quiet, softwater fish that will not bully it, chase it or dominate feeding time. Suitable companions may include very small peaceful characins, tiny rasboras, small pencilfish, gentle dwarf cichlids or calm bottom-dwelling species, provided the aquarium is large enough, and the water requirements match. Large fish, fast-feeding barbs, aggressive cichlids and boisterous community species should be avoided. For breeding or long-term specialist care, a species-only aquarium is often the safest option.

A mature, stable aquarium is strongly recommended for Blacknose Butterfly Barbs. The water should be soft and acidic, with subdued lighting, gentle filtration and plenty of shelter. A natural layout with fine sand, leaf litter, roots, branches and shaded planting helps replicate the quiet forest-stream conditions associated with this species. Good water quality is essential, as very small fish are easily affected by sudden changes in chemistry or rising waste levels. Aim for warm tropical conditions, low hardness and an acidic pH, while avoiding strong currents and bright, open layouts that leave the fish feeling exposed.

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Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

In Blacknose Butterfly Barbs, mature males are generally more colourful than females, especially in the fins. Males may show more noticeable colour in the dorsal fin, along with darker edging or stronger contrast in the ventral and anal fins. Females are usually plainer, often with clearer fins and a fuller body shape, particularly when carrying eggs. These differences are easiest to see in healthy, settled adult fish kept in good conditions. Juveniles and stressed specimens can be difficult to sex reliably.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Enteromius candens
Year Described	1917
Other Names	Red Fin Butterfly Barb
Kingdom	Animalia
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Cypriniformes
Family	Cyprinidae
Genus	Enteromius
Origins	Democratic Republic of the Congo
Approx Max Size	3 cm
Temperament	Peaceful
Aquarium Level	Bottom - Middle
Difficulty	Intermediate
Shoaling	Yes
Best kept as	Groups 6+
Diet & Feeding	Omnivore
Reproduction	Egg-Scatterer
Average Lifespan	Up to 5 Years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
pH	5.0 - 6.0
GH	1 - 2
KH	0 - 1
TDS	20 - 80

Ideal Temperature Range
℉	75 - 79
℃	24 - 26

Natural Habitat

The Blacknose Butterfly Barb is native to Central Africa and is associated with the middle and upper Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Records include parts of the Congo system such as the Kasai, Itimbiri, Tshopo and Lualaba areas. Its natural habitats are soft, acidic freshwater environments, often linked with shaded, slow-moving waters where plant material, roots, leaf litter and organic debris influence the water chemistry. These conditions help explain why the species is best maintained in quiet, softwater aquaria rather than hard, bright or fast-flowing community tanks.

Breeding

The Blacknose Butterfly Barb is an egg-laying cyprinid and should be treated as an egg-scattering species with no parental care. When adults are in good condition, spawning may occur among fine plants, moss, spawning mops or leaf litter, but the eggs and newly hatched fry are at risk of being eaten. A dedicated breeding tank gives the best chance of success. Soft acidic water, subdued lighting and dense spawning media are useful, and the adults can be removed once eggs or fry are noticed. Fry are very small and should be offered tiny first foods before moving on to microworms, vinegar eels, newly hatched brine shrimp or other suitably sized foods as they grow.

Diet & Feeding

The Blacknose Butterfly Barb is an omnivorous micro-predator by aquarium standards and should be given small foods that match its size. It may accept finely crushed dry foods, but these should not be the whole diet. A varied menu of small live and frozen foods, such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, microworms and similar fine foods, will help maintain condition and encourage natural behaviour. Feed lightly, as this species is small and does best with clean water. Several tiny meals are better than heavy feeding that leaves waste in the aquarium.