Red Line Torpedo Barb
A streamlined silver barb marked with a bold red stripe from nose to mid-body over a black lateral line. One of the most striking aquarium fish of the last thirty years.
Feeding
Flake, pellets and frozen foods with vegetable content. Feeds actively throughout the water column.
Compatibility
Peaceful but large, fast and highly social. Keep in groups of six or more with robust tankmates. Needs open swimming length rather than height.
Behaviour and personality
Constantly moving, in strong flow if given the option. A shoal in a large tank is the whole point of the fish.
Before you buy
Frequently sold at 4-5 cm and reaches three times that. Needs cooler, well-oxygenated, high-flow water and a genuinely large tank. Endangered in the wild, so cap
| Size | Adult Size |
|---|---|
| Common Size | 4-5 cm |
| Adult Size | Up to 12 cm |
FAQ
What kind of tank environment do Red Line Torpedo Barbs require?
They need a large tank with open swimming space, cooler water temperatures, well-oxygenated conditions, and strong water flow.
How many Red Line Torpedo Barbs should I keep together?
Keep in groups of six or more to ensure social behavior and reduce stress.
Are Red Line Torpedo Barbs compatible with other fish species?
They are peaceful but fast and active; best kept with robust, non-aggressive tankmates that can handle open swimming space.
Elizabeth Bell –
The fish are very active and create a lively atmosphere in the tank. I kept them in a 120-liter tank with plenty of open space. They form a strong shoal and swim constantly. Only suitable for experienced aquarists with good water flow.
Penelope Graham –
Beautiful appearance with the red stripe standing out. They need a large tank and consistent flow. I had to adjust my filtration to maintain water quality. Great for a dynamic aquarium.
Una Buckland –
They are energetic and social, but require a lot of space. I kept them with other active fish and they coexist well. Not recommended for small tanks or beginners.