Can kribensis live with tinfoil barbs?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Kribensis and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Tinfoil barbs grow to 12 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for kribensis.
What to watch
- Watch outTinfoil barbs grow to 12 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for kribensis.
What works
- Both are fine at 75–80°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: kribensis the bottom, tinfoil barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Kribensis | Tinfoil barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–80 °F | 72–80 °F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 4.0 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for kribensis
Better tank mates for tinfoil barbs
Questions
Can kribensis live with tinfoil barbs?
Yes, with care. Kribensis and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Tinfoil barbs grow to 12 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for kribensis.
What temperature suits both kribensis and tinfoil barbs?
75–80 °F. Kribensis need 75–80 °F, tinfoil barbs need 72–80 °F.
What size tank do kribensis and tinfoil barbs need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the tinfoil barb. Add space for each extra fish.













