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Cyprinid (Barbs, Carp and Danios)The Barb, Carp and Danio (Cyprinid) family is the
largest order of fresh-water fish, with over 2000 species, and are
popular schooling fish for the community aquarium. Most come from
Southern and Eastern Asia, with a few from Africa and Europe and are
found in all types of water systems. Goldfish, Koi, and even Loaches
belong to this family, although Loaches are
generally grouped separately. Barbs, Carp and Danios can be recognized by the
small Barbells at the corners of the mouth, but sometimes you have to
look very close to see them. There are even a few species do not have
them. The body shape is elongated to high-backed and slightly compressed
laterally . The upper and lower profiles are usually similar and they
are the typical fish shape.
Most members can be kept with other fish of the same size and temperament. Really good ones to keep are the Cherry barb, Rosy barb and all members from the families Rasbora and Bracydanio. Some species such as the infamous Tiger Barb do tend to be “Nippy” and cannot be kept with calm, slow moving long finned fish, as they tend to nibble and nip on the fins. Some like the Tin foil barb and the Clown loach will get too large for most community setups and others like the Red tail Black shark should be kept as single specimens. It is imperative to research any fish before purchasing and adding it to your aquarium. The Cyprinids are seasonal spawners so in order to induce breeding it is necessary to trick them into thinking that the season has changed. This can be done by altering the temperature and perhaps doing a water change and lowering the depth. They are egg scatters, but will also eat the eggs after spawning so soft bushy plants are ideal to protect the eggs until the spawning pair can be removed. Barbs and Danios do not engage in brood care after laying their eggs. The newly hatched fry need the finest of food, usually newly hatched Brine shrimp or very fine flake food. Breeding Barbs and Danios is not that easy and does require time and patience |
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