As there seems to be a lot of "Which tinfoil do I have?" threads circulating I thought as someone who has both of these fish currently at around 8"-10" in size I feel that I can give some great pointers as to Identifying them. Firstly, both of my large tinfoils were trade ins. we all have seen pictures online of the young fish and how to tell between Altus and Schwanefeldi but I figure I will give some extra help here.
Here is the typical example most of us will see of Barbus Schwanefeldi
the black stripes through the tail making the fish more identifiable.
These fish grow to 14"+ and are very robust tankmates. Good with Monster fish.
Here is the typical juvenile example of Barbus Altus or "Red Tail Tinfoil Barb"
this fish will only grow to 8", 10" max. they have all of the same strengths as the larger tinfoil barb but with the added bonus of being able to be kept in smaller aquariums.
As the fish mature they will be much easier to identify. Some of the juvenile B. Altus will have faint dark striping in the tail fin which may cause some confusion.
The following picture is an adult Barbus Schwanefeldi.
Notice how the fins are very pointy, it has a high back and a slightly elongated yet deep profile. The fish also has a pointy tail with that unique shape ( Much like a Fei Feng)
Now here is an adult Barbus Altus.
Notice the overall rounded and more deep shape to the body, the smaller less pronounced head. Also note how the tail is a lot more vertical and open than that of Barbus Schwanefeldi.
Here is a crappy yet pretty explanatory diagram that I created
Barbus Altus above
Barbus Schwanefeldi below
I know, I know... It would be better if I drew it by hand but I wanted to educate all the Dither needers on MFK asap on this fish!
so as we can clearly see the difference in body shape, fin shape and a few other subtle differences. The diagram was created whilst physically observing the two in my tank and copying their traits.
I know this thread isn't one of the most jazzy and professional looking ones on the site, But with this question being asked a lot lately I thought it would save a lot of time. I myself kept wondering what species I had, and until I picked up another today It wasn't so apparent to me. seeing them frolicking around along side eachother shows a huge contrast and therefore showed me some easy ways to ID them.
so thats that, anyone who wants an ID can post a picture here if not I hope I've helped some of you out
Rafini
Here is the typical example most of us will see of Barbus Schwanefeldi
the black stripes through the tail making the fish more identifiable.
These fish grow to 14"+ and are very robust tankmates. Good with Monster fish.
Here is the typical juvenile example of Barbus Altus or "Red Tail Tinfoil Barb"
this fish will only grow to 8", 10" max. they have all of the same strengths as the larger tinfoil barb but with the added bonus of being able to be kept in smaller aquariums.
As the fish mature they will be much easier to identify. Some of the juvenile B. Altus will have faint dark striping in the tail fin which may cause some confusion.
The following picture is an adult Barbus Schwanefeldi.
Notice how the fins are very pointy, it has a high back and a slightly elongated yet deep profile. The fish also has a pointy tail with that unique shape ( Much like a Fei Feng)
Now here is an adult Barbus Altus.
Notice the overall rounded and more deep shape to the body, the smaller less pronounced head. Also note how the tail is a lot more vertical and open than that of Barbus Schwanefeldi.
Here is a crappy yet pretty explanatory diagram that I created
Barbus Altus above
Barbus Schwanefeldi below
I know, I know... It would be better if I drew it by hand but I wanted to educate all the Dither needers on MFK asap on this fish!
so as we can clearly see the difference in body shape, fin shape and a few other subtle differences. The diagram was created whilst physically observing the two in my tank and copying their traits.
I know this thread isn't one of the most jazzy and professional looking ones on the site, But with this question being asked a lot lately I thought it would save a lot of time. I myself kept wondering what species I had, and until I picked up another today It wasn't so apparent to me. seeing them frolicking around along side eachother shows a huge contrast and therefore showed me some easy ways to ID them.
so thats that, anyone who wants an ID can post a picture here if not I hope I've helped some of you out
Rafini
