Proboscis barb - Crossocheilus siamensis

The Siamese snout barb, also called Crossocheilus siamensis, is an "old hand" in aquaristics, so to speak, and still enjoys great popularity today. Occasionally it is also offered as Crossocheilus oblongus. Originally native to oxygen-rich and fast-flowing partially weedy rivers of Thailand, the snout barb also performs excellent services in the aquarium as a planarian eater and algae killer. No wonder that this all-rounder is indispensable in aquaristics!

This proboscis barb, which grows up to 15 cm, has an elongated body with trapezoidal transparent fins, on whose silver-gray ground color a black band begins just behind the eyes and ends just before the root of the tail. The upper back may be light brown to ocher in color, whereas the underside of the belly and the flanks are lighter.

Proboscis barbs are peaceful fellows, only among themselves it can come quite once to harmless scuffles and chases, with other fish they are compatible. Even though they can sprint fast, they also rest on the bottom, resting on their pelvic fins, as for example pike, and seem to curiously observe the environment outside the aquarium.

Sex differentiation is practically impossible, but presumably the females become rounder and more plump. A breeding is not known until today, it is to be hoped that ambitious aquarists nevertheless continue to try it.

According to their habitat the aquarium of the Siamese Snout Barb should have a good oxygen supply, if necessary with the help of bubbling stones, as well as current and should contain at least 180 liters. Even though the Siamese Snout Barb prefers soft water with a pH of 6-7.5, it can also adapt well to harder water parameters. The aquarium should have a fine substrate such as sand and have a decent underwater structure in the form of rocks and roots, as well as some dense planting that still allows for swimming space.

Even if snout barbs are generally considered to be robust beginner animals, which forgive one or the other mistake, they should not be stressed too often if possible. This they acknowledge with a fading of their black color band, which however also brightens up in case of a "fin crowd" among each other. The water temperature should generally not fall below 24-26°C. Due to their occasional sprints, an aquarium cover is absolutely necessary, so that the animals do not accidentally land on the living room carpet when "running through". Proboscis barbs do not form territories or territories that they defend.

Proboscis barbs primarily stay in the middle to lower water zone, occasionally retreating into a jungle of stem plants and in between lying on the bottom or rocks to rest and observe their surroundings. Although it is a true algae killer, literally "flattening" even planarians, it is not a distinct herbivore, though it may be found pecking away at fine-feathered plant tips.

Due to their preference for greens and zooplankton, the proboscis barb can therefore be fed quite easily with wilted lettuce leaves, as well as plant-based dry foods such as granules, chips, wafers or bottom tablets. Every now and then, however, their veggie buffet should be supplemented with various Live foods and Frozen foods be supplemented.

Proboscis barbs are peaceful fish that can live to be a proud 9 years old if well cared for. They can be easily socialized with other fish from similar habitats, invertebrates such as very small snails or dwarf shrimp would rather not be recommended. Since it stays mainly near the bottom, dwarf crayfish and larger crayfish should also not be part of the neighborhood.

Our food recommendation: For this aufwuchs feeding Rüsselbarbe is the NatureHolic Catfish Feed perfectly suitable for all aufwuchs fressende Suckwelse in the aquarium. It is a balanced tablet food that will not cloud the water and the fish will happily eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes, which provide the barbs with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food we recommend the vegetarian CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.