Orange-Finned Barb

Native to rivers draining into the Lake Tanganyika basin and surrounding East African drainages, Barbus eutaenia is found in clear, moderately fast-flowing streams with rocky and sandy substrates. Its most distinctive feature is the vivid orange to orange-red colouration of all fins, which intensifies dramatically in males during breeding condition. The silver body with subtle lateral patterning provides a clean backdrop for this fin colour.

In the aquarium, Barbus eutaenia is undemanding and hardy, tolerating a modest range of water parameters. It is best appreciated in schools of eight or more where the aggregated fin colour creates a striking visual effect. Moderate water movement, clear water, and a sandy substrate with some rock and plant cover replicate its native conditions well.

This species eats greedily and is not a fussy feeder. A varied diet of flake, pellets, and frozen invertebrates keeps it in peak colour. It is entirely peaceful and can be mixed with other East African barbs, tetras, or even smaller Tanganyika cichlids in biotope displays.

Water: 22–26°C, pH 6.5–7.8, moderate hardness (GH 8–20); good water movement preferred. Tank: 80 L minimum; sandy or rocky substrate, some plant cover, open swimming lanes. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; males display intensified fin colour when courting. Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable with other East African barbs, tetras, and smaller Tanganyika cichlids.