The Barb species are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and mostly inhabit the slow-moving streams and rivers, although some have also been found in swamps and back bays of lakes. Barbs are hardy, energetic, and colourful, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists looking to grow their fish-keeping abilities.

Key information: Barbs do well in community setups but can show signs of aggression and caution should be taken if housing with slow-moving, long-finned fish, such as Bettas, that could become a target for fin-nipping. However, Barbs are a shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5, which can also help with reducing the presence of any fin-nipping behaviours. Gender ratios are not overly important. Sexing Barbs is not easily done as there are little differences between males and females, however females do tend to be slightly bigger and fatter than males. In some Barb species, sex can also be distinguished through small colour differences. Due to their activeness, Barbs can be prone to jumping from the tank, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended. The ideal water temperature is between 23-26˚C, although some Barbs can tolerate temperatures as low as 18˚C. Whilst Barbs are generally not fussy eaters and will consume most food provided, they should be offered live or frozen foods, such as Bloodworms and Daphnia, regularly to encourage their true colours. The average lifespan of most Barbs is around 6 years, but given the correct care, this can be anywhere between 5-15 years depending on the species.