Filament Barb, Black-Spot Barb (Puntius filamentosus) — 3,5-4,5cm

Overview

Filament Barb (Puntius filamentosus), also known as the Black-Spot Barb, is a lively, peaceful South Indian barb with subtle beauty and active shoaling behavior. Native to the Western Ghats and associated river systems, this species is prized for its graceful finnage, attractive markings, and easygoing temperament. Now available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, the Filament Barb is an excellent choice for the well-planted community aquarium, bringing constant movement and charm to any tropical setup.

Appearance

The Filament Barb typically reaches around 8 cm in total length, making it a medium-sized barb. The body is elongated and silvery, marked with one or two prominent dark spots along the flanks. The fins are often tinged with red or orange, and mature males may develop elongated filamentous extensions on the dorsal fin, which give the species its common name. Females are generally more robust and less colorful. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged scales.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Puntius filamentosus inhabits clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams in South India, especially in the Western Ghats. These waters are well-oxygenated, with rocky or gravelly substrates and moderate to strong currents. The surrounding landscape is forested, providing shade and contributing organic matter to the water. During the monsoon season, water levels rise and flow increases, and fish move into flooded areas to spawn among submerged vegetation.

Aquarium Setup

A well-filtered aquarium of at least 80 litres is recommended for a shoal of Filament Barbs, as they are active swimmers and require plenty of open space. Use a fine gravel or sand substrate and incorporate smooth rocks, driftwood, and robust live plants such as Vallisneria, Java fern, or Anubias to provide cover and visual interest. Ensure good filtration and moderate water movement to replicate the well-oxygenated rivers of their natural habitat. A secure lid is essential, as active barbs can jump when startled or during courtship displays.

Feeding

The Filament Barb is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer quality flakes or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Occasional vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods, will support digestive health and color. Feed twice daily in small amounts to maintain excellent water quality and prevent overfeeding. A varied, balanced diet will enhance coloration and support breeding condition.

Behaviour

This barb is lively, active, and social, constantly on the move and best kept in a shoal of at least six individuals. When kept in proper numbers, the Filament Barb is peaceful and confident, displaying natural schooling behavior and engaging in playful interactions. Lone fish or those kept in undersized groups may become stressed or nippy. Males may engage in mild territorial displays during spawning, but serious aggression is rare. They occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium and are most active during feeding time.

Tank Mates

The Filament Barb is suitable for a community aquarium with other active, peaceful fish. Good tankmates include other active peaceful barbs, danios, rasboras, medium-sized peaceful tetras, and peaceful loaches. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species kept in too-small groups, and very slow long-finned fish if kept with insufficient space. This species is generally peaceful when kept in proper numbers.

Breeding

Breeding the Filament Barb in captivity is achievable with careful preparation. This is an egg-scattering spawner that may breed in a well-conditioned group in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition adults with rich live and frozen foods, and provide soft, clean water. Adults should be removed after spawning, as they will eat eggs and fry. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, graduating to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering healthy, carefully selected barbs direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add active, attractive species like the Filament Barb to your collection. Whether you're setting up your first community aquarium or expanding an established setup, our knowledgeable team is here to help you succeed. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.