Fish
Gracile Barb
Enteromius guirali
Origin: West Africa: Niger, Senegal, Volta river basins and other Nilo-Sudanian river systems
Also known as: Slender Barb, Graceful Barb
Fact sheet
- Size
- 8 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Varieties
Overview
The Gracile Barb (Enteromius gracilis) is a small schooling cyprinid native to the river systems of West Africa. Its name derives from the Latin 'gracilis,' meaning slender or graceful, which accurately describes its streamlined body. In the wild, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, floodplains, and vegetated shallows. It is less common in the aquarium hobby than Asian barb species, but is valued by African biotope enthusiasts for its active behavior and relative hardiness. This species shows its best coloration and behavior when kept in groups of six or more. With proper care, it can live 4–6 years in captivity.
Appearance
The body is elongated, slender, and moderately compressed laterally, silvery with a golden or yellowish tinge. A characteristic small dark spot is clearly visible at the base of the caudal fin. Fins are transparent or lightly colored, sometimes with a yellowish tinge at the base. Adults reach 6–7 cm in length; males are generally slimmer and slightly more brightly colored than females.
Care
A group of 6–8 individuals requires a tank of at least 80–100 liters. Good filtration and moderate aeration are essential — the species is sensitive to nitrate accumulation and organic waste. Optimal water parameters: temperature 23–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, hardness up to 12 dGH. A planted tank with open swimming areas in the center is ideal. Weekly water changes of 25–30% are mandatory, and a tight-fitting lid is necessary as these active fish can jump.
Feeding
Omnivorous with a hearty appetite and undemanding about diet composition. The staple consists of quality flakes and micro-pellets. Supplement regularly with live or frozen foods: bloodworms, artemia, daphnia. A plant-based component is important — spirulina-based foods or blanched zucchini and spinach work well.
Compatibility
Peaceful schooling fish that coexist well with other small West African species — Congo tetras, African characins, Kribensis dwarf cichlids. Avoid housing with veiltail or slow-moving fish that may be nipped or harassed. Best suited to West African biotope setups with similarly ranged species.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but infrequent due to the rarity of this species in the trade. Spawning is triggered by gradually raising the temperature to 26–28°C combined with generous live food feeding. Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or Java moss. Adults must be removed after spawning as they consume eggs. Incubation takes about 24–36 hours; larvae become free-swimming after another 2–3 days, initially feeding on infusoria and artemia nauplii.
Fun facts
The name 'gracilis' comes from Latin meaning 'slender' or 'graceful' — a perfect description for this streamlined fish. The species belongs to the genus Enteromius, one of the largest genera of African freshwater fish, comprising over 200 species. In Russian aquarium hobby, the Gracile Barb remains a rare find, more valued by African biotope collectors than mainstream hobbyists.