Three very similar species of dwarfish barbs occur in the central Congo basin. All of them become only 3-4 cm long. Additional forms are already known, but not researched scientifically yet. The three described species are B. candens, B. hulstaerti, and B. papilio. They live in shadowy brooks that have a acidic (pH 5.0 – 5.7) and cool (21-23°C) water.
Barbus candens, the one we were able to import recently, is the largest of the three, it becomes about 4 cm long. It is a very beautiful and peaceful species that fits perfectly for nano tanks. As in all members of the group, males may be recognized by the coloured dorsal fin, which is hyaline in females.
For our customers: the species has code 100694 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Barbus: Latin, means “the bearded one”, referring to the barbels. candens: Latin, means “shining, glittering, white gleaming”; hulstaerti: dedication name; papilio: Latin, means “Butterfly”.
Suggestion of a common name: Blacknose Butterfly Barb
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
