Clipper Barb

The Clipper Barb, often sold as the Butterfly Barb, is a small and beautifully marked African cyprinid from the Congo Basin, a region not typically associated with barb diversity. It is a slender, delicate fish reaching only 4 cm, with a pale golden-yellow body bearing three or four prominent black spots — one near the dorsal fin origin, one at the mid-body, and one at the caudal peduncle — and bright yellow dorsal and caudal fins. The spotted pattern and yellow fins are indeed somewhat reminiscent of a butterfly, particularly when the fish spreads its fins in display. Despite its attractive appearance, the Clipper Barb is not commonly seen in the trade, partly due to its requirement for soft, acidic conditions that differ from those many barbs tolerate. It is intermediate in difficulty, best suited to aquarists with some experience managing blackwater-type setups. It is peaceful and non-aggressive, posing no fin-nipping risk even to long-finned species. A dimly lit, planted aquarium with tannin-stained water and dark substrate mimics its native Congo stream habitat and promotes the richest coloration. Keep in groups of at least eight for best behavior.