Red Lined Torpedo Barb 3.5cm

Red Lined Torpedo Barb

The Red-lined Torpedo barb once become one of the most highly coveted aquarium fish in the world when it won the 'new species' category award at Singapore's Aquarama exhibition in 1997. These fish soon became loved due to their slender, streamlined body, striking colour, peaceful temperament, and most importantly their active but elegant schooling behavior. Becoming a craze in the planted aquarium hobby where aquarists had to have a school of torpedo barbs in their planted tanks, these fish still maintain their prowess. 

Torpedo barbs actually fall under many common names however the common factor here is how these names describe the beauty of this fish. They are a larger growing member of the barb family however, the long streamlined body is something that is not commonly seen in the aquarium hobby. The torpedo barb has an incredibly simple but contrasting colour palette. These fish have an almost grey body colour that sports a green iridescence with a white underbelly. They have a jet-black lateral line that starts from their nose and ends with the tail which has two bright yellow spots. The most noticeable factor of this fish is the vibrant chili red colour that runs along the black line on these fish. The torpedo barb is an often-calm swimmer that looks mesmerizing in a planted aquarium but they can also add a lot of life into a community aquarium with their schooling pattern. 

Because of how popular these fish are, by the early 2000s, they became a vulnerable species to extinction. After many years of failing to breed these fish in captivity, there has now been luck through the use of natural ponds and hormone-induced breeding in aquaculture farms. This means that wild collected fish are rarely seen in the aquarium hobby thus allowing the natural population to recover. Breeding these fish in the home aquarium, however, is difficult as the torpedo barb breeds through specific environmental queues which can be difficult to replicate. 

Tank Recommendations for your Red Lined Torpedo Barb

The torpedo barb can easily reach lengths of 12 cm and they are an incredibly active fish cruising the length of the tank all, day. Because of this, the minimum aquarium volume for a school of adult torpedo barbs would be 540 liters. The ideal dimensions are 120 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm. It is best to keep these fish in a minimum school of around 3 however more will always look better. 

Torpedo barbs are totally planted safe and will not only love but also look great in a well-planted aquarium. They are mostly mid to top water-dwelling fish so the choice of substrate and aquarium hardscape is not a major concern. They are however excellent jumpers so a tight-fitting lid is a must for the aquarium. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The torpedo barb is an incredibly peaceful fish that displays no aggression or fin nipping tendencies as barbs are often accused of doing. They will look great in a mixed community tank or in a species-only aquarium as well.

Usually Compatible

Cherry barbs, angelfish, corydoras, Bolivian rams, swordtails, and a range of community aquarium fish. 

Sometimes Compatible

Potentially slow bottom-dwelling fish such as Borneo suckers or any nano fish which may be outcompeted like Endler's guppies or emerald eye Rasboras. 

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive species may prey on the torpedo barb or shrimp which will be an easy meal for this fish. 

Feeding your Red Lined Torpedo Barb

Red-lined torpedo barbs will easily take food from any part of the water column. They will readily take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be a good quality slow sinking food, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.