🐟 Filament Barb (Dawkinsia filamentosa, formerly Puntius filamentosus)
Freshwater Large Active Schooling Barb • Blackspot and Filament Dorsal on Males • Fast and Boisterous — Best With Similar-Sized Active Fish
 
📋 The Filament Barb, also called the Blackspot Barb or Indian Tiger Barb, is a large, fast, hardy barb from the Western Ghats of southern India. It has a silvery, iridescent body with a dark spot near the tail and a scissor-shaped tail tipped with black and red. Mature males are larger and grow a long filament on the dorsal fin.
It is peaceful by nature, but at 12–15cm and constantly on the move, it can stress smaller, slower or more skittish fish. It suits a large community of similar-sized, active tank mates, and it needs a long tank with plenty of open swimming space, at least about 120cm, and a school of at least six.
Keep the water clean and well oxygenated, with moderate flow. It is a hardy species and accepts most foods.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Filament Dorsal on Males: Long, flowing dorsal extension on mature males
⚪ Peaceful but Boisterous: Best with active fish of similar size
📏 Large: About 12–15cm, so plan a long tank
👥 Schooling Fish: At least six
💪 Hardy: Accepts most foods and adapts well