[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cyprinids – Flying Barb (Esomus thermoicos)

Most books will refer to the Flying Barb as Esomus danrica rather than E. thermoicos. However, comparative work carried out on Indian and Sri Lankan collections indicates that both nominal species are more closely related than first thought; they may be subspecies or even just normally varying populations. Further work is awaited. The most unusual feature of this attractive species is its very long, filamentlike barbels that are responsible for its common name (even though it is not a barb). It does, however, jump (“fly”).

Synonym

• Esomus danrica

Subfamily

• Rasborinae (Danioninae)

Distribution

• India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Size

• Up to 6in (15cm) reported, but usually much smaller. About 2 1/2in (6cm) common in wild-caught specimens.

Behavior

• Very active fish with a tendency to leap out of the water. Prefers the top layers of the aquarium.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted. Aquarium: Roomy, well-covered tank with ample surface swimming space surrounded by plants. Water chemistry not critical but quality must be good. Temperature range: 72-75 F (22-24 C); higher—around 81 F (27 O—for breeding.

Breeding

• Eggs are scattered among plants. Hatching takes 1-2 days, depending on temperature.