Platinum Barramundi 60-80cm

Platinum Barramundi 

It is probably safe to say that the platinum barramundi is quite easily the pinnacle showpiece fish for a large predator fish aquarium. Being an incredibly rare strain of the fierce and proud native Australian barramundi, this fish will be a true spectacle in its dedicated aquarium that will certainly catch the eyes of anyone regardless of if they are interested in the aquarium hobby or not. The LiveFish team has finally been able to source these wonderful fish for the experienced aquarium hobbyists looking to own a truly majestic fish. 

Barramundi is proudly known as Australia’s most popular and recognized fish, they hold a strong cultural significance in Australian culture. The occurrence of the platinum barramundi in the wild used to be an unconfirmed tale however with the efforts of captive breeding and pure chance the platinum barramundi became a highly coveted fish.  These barramundis are extremely large growing, predator fish that can reach upwards of 1.8 meters and weigh 60 kilos meaning that are certainly not a fish for everyone. 

Platinum barramundi has an incredible pearl white colour that shimmers like the night sky under aquarium lighting. This looks spectacular especially at their size because it looks simply jaw-dropping to see a near one-meter-long fish that just shines in the aquarium. The platinum barramundi can also carry a golden tinge on the top of their body which just elevates the royal aesthetic these fish carry. 

Barramundi in general is also unique in the fact that they can live in full fresh, brackish, and saltwater environments. All barramundi are born as males but can change gender when they reach maturity or when there is a lack of females in an environment as well. The captive breeding of platinum barramundi takes place in large aquaculture facilities and has never been recorded to occur in the home aquarium. 

Tank Recommendations for your Platinum Barramundi

Even at the point of purchase these fish will be around 60 - 80cm and will require a monster aquarium. Barramundi is a very active and large predatory fish, because of this they need an aquarium that is at least 3000 - 4000 liters.

Due to the obvious price of these fish much care should be taken with the aquarium setting, it would be best to keep these fish in a tank with minimal hardscape to avoid injury. They would look stellar in an aquarium with a jet-black background, a dark sandy substrate, and bright white aquarium lighting with an elevated blue spectrum to make these fish shine. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Platinum Barramundi is predatory fish in nature and is probably best to be kept alone. This will simply allow for this fish to be in the spotlight in its aquarium but it can be kept with other tank mates under the right conditions. The tank mates will need large enough to not be eaten or hurt by the barramundi. 

Usually Compatible

Freshwater tank mates include Tandanus catfish, jade perch, Macquarie perch, and other semi-aggressive large native Australian fish species. They can also be kept with large saltwater groupers and trevally in saltwater aquariums. 

Sometimes Compatible

Large growing cichlids such as Oscars, jaguar cichlids, and other similar species however there is a possibility that even an adult barramundi could eat these fish. Possible safe candidates would be the black shark or peacock bass.

Rarely Compatible

Any smaller species that would be obvious prey to the platinum barramundi and an overly aggressive species such as the mangrove jack will pose a high risk of causing injuries.

Feeding your Platinum Barramundi

This platinum barramundi should be well accustomed to prepared aquarium foods as they were raised in a captive environment. It would be best to feed them some large carnivore fish pellets and their diet can be supplemented with fresh foods like chopped prawns or fish pieces as well.