Filamentosa Barb

The Filamentosa Barb is also called the Mascara Barb or Black Spot Barb, but the true Mascara Barb is a slightly different species called Daw. assimilis. Similar in appearance and behavior, the Mascara Barb is a bit less common and has more color along the lateral line of the body, and male mascara barbs do not sport as long a dorsal fin.

The male Filamentosa Barb gets a lacy, long, colorful dorsal fin (hence Filamentosa) and color highlights on the body that look like makeup (hence it is sometimes called the Mascara Barb). These barbs are rare and wild from India and seldom seen in the trade, one reason they are a bit pricey. The good news is that these fish are hardy and adapt well to aquariums.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: These barbs grow large and swim fast, so give them lots of open space, strong filtration and a tight-fitting lid, since they can jump.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep them with similar-sized, active fish such as rainbowfish, larger barbs, larger tetras, loaches and peaceful cichlids. Very small fish may be eaten or stressed.

Good to know: Males grow the long, threadlike dorsal fin as they mature, so young fish may not show it yet.