Butterfly Barb - Barbus hulstaerti : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Butterfly Barb (Barbus hulstaerti) is a fascinating species of Barb that is rarely seen in the hobby due to decades of political unrest in its native Congo region. However, these fish are perfect for the dedicated hobbyist who is willing to put in the effort to keep and breed them. These Barbs are peaceful, active and attractive and would be a great addition to a community aquarium if kept with similar-sized and tempered species. However, it is important to note that they are shy and retiring fish and may be outcompeted for food by larger, more boisterous tankmates.
The Butterfly Barb is a shoaling species that thrives in groups of eight or more individuals, and they develop a distinct pecking order between males. Therefore, it is essential to maintain these fish in a tank that is spacious enough to allow weaker individuals to take refuge from more dominant fish. It is not recommended to keep these fish on their own, in a small group, or in a cramped aquarium, as they may become withdrawn and bullied by subdominant fish.
Butterfly Barbs thrive optimally when housed within a specialized species aquarium that boasts an abundant profusion of dense aquatic vegetation, complemented by strategic placements of concealed areas meticulously crafted from rocks or wood. Utilize sand as the chosen substrate, employ floating plant specimens to modulate luminance levels, and incorporate desiccated leaves into the aquarium environment.
Butterfly Barbs have a distinctive elongated pale body colouration and a blunt head. The male boasts bold blueish-black splotches of varying sizes and yellow shading in its dorsal, ventral and anal fins, and a translucent caudal fin.
Butterfly Barb Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Male and female Butterfly Barbs can be differentiated with ease. During breeding, males exhibit a much more vibrant and eye-catching coloration, which is not seen in females. Conversely, females typically display a relatively dull coloration and lack the yellow hue present in the fins of males. Moreover, females possess a bulkier body when compared to males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Barbus hulstaerti |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1945 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Enteromius |
| Origins | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Max Size | 3.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.5 - 6.5 |
| GH | 0 - 6 |
| TDS | 18 - 90 |
| ℉ | 62 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 16 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
The Butterfly Barb, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a captivating fish species that requires a specific environment to thrive. These Barbs make their homes in shallow, slow-moving streams and rainforest swamps that are densely populated with vegetation, fallen leaves, and twigs. The water in these habitats is typically cool, very soft, and acidic, giving it a unique brownish colour due to the release of tannins and other chemicals from decomposing plant material. These habitats are shaded by the rainforest canopy above, creating a dark, peaceful environment for the Butterfly Barb to flourish in.
Breeding
Butterfly Barbs are a seasonal spawner, with breeding activity occurring during two periods of the year, from March to June and September to November. Being egg-scattering and continuous spawners, they do not exhibit any parental care. If kept in good condition and with the presence of both males and females, they will lay small numbers of eggs daily in a well-furnished aquarium. Hence, a small number of fry may appear without any human intervention. However, for those looking to increase their fry yield, a more controlled breeding approach is necessary.
The adults should be conditioned together, and small containers should be set up for breeding. Maintaining a higher temperature during breeding has been shown to yield more males, while lower temperatures result in a more equal and desirable spread of genders. A simple aquarium setup with java moss or spawning mops for egg laying and a handful or two of peat fibre for maintaining the appropriate water conditions is recommended. Filtration is not essential, but a small air-powered filter containing peat and set to turn over slowly can be used. Adding almond, beech, or oak leaves to the tank can also be beneficial.
Once the breeding container is prepared, a single pair of well-conditioned adult fish should be slowly introduced to it. Spawning should commence daily in the evening, and the female can seek refuge in the plants or spawning mops when needed. It is uncertain if the Barbs consume their eggs, but they do not seem to hunt for them actively. After the young hatch and consume their yolk sacs, they should be fed with paramecium or other microscopic foods, followed by microworm and artemia nauplii once they become free-swimming. Additional fry may appear from later spawning events over time. It is advisable to wait a week or two before performing small water changes to avoid unnecessarily shocking the young Barbs.
Diet & Feeding
Butterfly Barbs are an omnivorous fish species that readily accepts a variety of high-quality dried foods of appropriate size. However, to optimize the health and vibrant colouration of these fish and stimulate breeding behaviour, it is highly recommended to supplement their diet with frequent small servings of live and frozen foods such as artemia and daphnia.
Frequently asked questions
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