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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Drape fin barb

Oreichthys crenuchoides

Oreichthys crenuchoides (drape fin barb)
Male showing the tall, spotted dorsal fin characteristic of the species. Photo: -serwacy01- · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0resize-compress; preserve aspect ratio

The drape fin barb (Oreichthys crenuchoides) is a small, shy Asian barb whose adult males develop a striking enlarged dorsal fin. Despite its size, it has specific social needs: keep at least eight and prevent larger or boisterous tankmates from outcompeting it. A footprint from 60 × 30 cm and about 54 litres gives room for the shoal and visual barriers. Clean, gently flowing water, a soft substrate and attentive feeding suit this reluctant feeder. Check identification carefully because the species is sold under several confusing trade names. Do not place it with fast feeders merely because water values overlap; observe feeding and behaviour after introduction.

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At a glance

Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.0–7.5
GH
2–10 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 60 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 54 L
Adult size
Up to 4.5 cm
Group size
At least 8 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

The type locality is the Jorai. The specialist source describes clear, slow-flowing water and a muddy bottom; other records are in West Bengal. The enlarged dorsal fin of mature males is useful for identification, but colour and fin shape can vary with age and condition. The original description and current catalogue support O. crenuchoides as the accepted identity. Compare the caudal-base mark and lack of a dark anal-fin mark with reliable species photographs; do not identify a related Oreichthys from the tall fin alone.

Natural habitat

Minimum footprint 60 × 30 cm and about 54 litres per specialist source. Keep eight or more. Use plants, wood, floating plants, sight breaks, soft substrate and gentle flow. These records describe known localities rather than every possible habitat condition. An aquarium need not copy the river exactly: gentle flow, cover and safe feeding areas translate the relevant habitat features into husbandry.

Aquarium and layout

23–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–10 dGH. No reliable KH range. Stability and clean water matter. Floor area and shoal size matter more than extra height. Use plants and wood to interrupt sightlines without filling the entire bottom. Mature the filter biologically and acclimate the fish gradually; do not routinely move them into an uncycled breeding tank.

Water conditions

Shy and vulnerable to food competition. Small peaceful Trigonostigma may suit it, but only with adequate group size, cover and monitored feeding. Males spar. Avoid large, sudden temperature or pH changes during maintenance. Check source and aquarium water if behaviour changes, and correct only with a clear plan. GH is the published hardness range here; no supported KH target is available.

Behaviour and group size

Offer finely sized dry food plus small portions of Daphnia or Artemia. Crush flakes and check every fish eats. Daphnia is not a complete diet. Shared habitat or a compatible pH range does not by itself prove a safe pairing. The Espei rasbora is mentioned only because the specialist recommends Trigonostigma as a group; if food competition or withdrawal occurs, adjust or separate the combination.

Feeding

Egg scatterer without parental care. For controlled breeding, the source describes spawning mops or broad leaves; remove adults after two or three days. Hatch and rearing timings are approximate. A pipette or several calm feeding spots can help deliver small portions. Do not overfeed to compensate for shy fish: leftovers pollute the water. Alternate complete dry food with suitably small animal foods.

Breeding

Prevent adults from reaching the eggs and keep the breeding tank stable and clean. Start feeding only when fry are free swimming and able to take tiny foods. The source does not guarantee a yield; record observations and increase food size gradually as fry grow.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

View the sources