Barbus - List of fishes

It owes its name of "freshwater shark" only to the shape of its dorsal fin. It behavior and it food have nothing comparable. It acclimates easily to the aquarium.

Small barbs located around its mouth enable it to detect food. It is easy to breed in captivity. The species is very prolific, nests often have over 500 juveniles.

Reproduction of this species occurs from May to July. The female, larger, is "courted" by several males. Its toxic eggs were traditionally used as an emetic. This fish is threatened by human activities (pollution, habitat degradation ...). Reintroduction operations are regularly carried out in the rivers of Wallonia.

Thanks to its small size, it is an ideal fish for beginner aquarists. It is easy to maintain and reproduce in the aquarium.

The cherry barb is a small freshwater fish endemic to the wet region of the lowlands in Sri Lanka. The males, cherry-colored, have long been intensively captured for the aquarium trade. The export of this fish is now better regulated, but it remains vulnerable to changes in its environment. The main causes: agricultural pollution, hydroelectric projects, and deforestation.