All fish / Cyprinidae

Highfin Glassy Barb

Oreichthys crenuchoides

Also known as high fin glassy barb, highfin barb, sailfin barb, glassy barb, oreichthys sp., high-fin glass barb, オレイクティス・クレヌコイデス, 高鳍玻璃鲃

This is a small, slightly translucent barb with large scales and a tall dorsal fin. Males have a sail-like dorsal edged in black and yellow-orange, and they show it off to each other often. Keepers like it for its peaceful nature and lively displays in planted, subtropical community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and bloodworm, plus fine flakes and granules

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern India (West Bengal), Bangladesh and Bhutan; Brahmaputra and Teesta drainages

Breeding

It scatters eggs among plants and gives no parental care, and adults will eat the eggs. Spawning in captivity has been reported but is rarely planned; a separate, well-planted tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base gives the best chance.

Good to know

It is often sold mixed up with Oreichthys cosuatis or under a vague Oreichthys sp. label, so check the fin shape. It prefers cooler water than most tropical barbs, and long-finned or fin-nipping tankmates should be avoided.