Drape Fin Barb (Oreichthys crenuchoides)
Drape Fin Barbs, Oreichthys crenuchoides are relatively active, peaceful fish. These Barbs, however, can be quite sensitive to fluctuations in water, so the conditions must be ideal. Furthermore, Barbs are not suitable for most community aquariums due to their sensitivity and small size; therefore, they are more appropriate for more advanced aquarists instead of beginners. In aquascaped or planted aquariums, these Barbs make impressive centrepieces when they are grouped together.
In the aquarium, rival males of Drape Fin Barbs will display some exciting sparring behaviour as they develop a pecking order. Ideally, you should keep them in groups of at least eight; however, you should make sure there are many broken lines of sight in the aquarium. The dominant fish may bully subordinate fish perpetually if kept alone, in a small group, or in cramped conditions.
It is possible to keep Drape Fin Barbs either in an aquarium with only their species or in an aquarium with other small peaceful fish. For example, micro Rasboras, Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis and other Dwarf Barbs, as well as Khuli Loaches and Catfish, would be ideal tankmates. The Barbs, however, should not be housed with larger, more aggressive or boisterous species. Consequently, they will be intimidated and outcompeted.
It appears that Drape Fin Barbs thrive best in neutral, slightly alkaline water with moderate hardness and aquatic vegetation. Adding floating plants reduces the aquarium's light, and adding dried leaf litter adds a natural feel to the aquarium. There should be a relatively slow flow of water, and the substrate should be soft.
Silver bodies with prominent scales are characteristic of Drape Fin Barbs. There is a large black blotch on the caudal fin of these Barbs, and the dorsal fin of the male has black splashes scattered throughout. Females have a yellow dorsal fin with a black blotch on the tip; all other fins are transparent.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oreichthys crenuchoides |
| Year Described | 2009 |
| Other Names | Indian high fin Barb, Drape Finned Barb |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Oreichthys |
| Origins | India |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 4 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 8 |
| KH | unknow |
| TDS | 50 - 180 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 72 - 82℉ 22.2 - 27.8℃ | |
Natural Habitat
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Drape Fin Barb will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
2 interesting tank mate ideas for the Drape Fin Barb could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
A simple distinction can be made between males and females of the Drape Fin Barb. A male's dorsal fin is much longer than a female's and hangs back over the caudal fin. Additionally, males exhibit stronger colouration and larger size than females. Contrary to males, females have a duller appearance, a smaller and more rounded dorsal fin, are slightly smaller, and become more rounded when they are carrying eggs.