Filamentosa Barb

Filamentosa Barb

The filamentosa barb is also called the mascara barb or black spot barb, but the true mascara barb is a slightly different species called Daw. assimilis. Similar in appearance and behavior, the mascara barb is a bit less common and has more color along the lateral line of the body, and male mascara barbs do not sport as long a dorsal fin.

The male filamentosa barb gets a lacy long colorful dorsal fin – hence filamentosa, and color highlites on the body that look like makeup – hence sometimes called the mascara barb. These barbs are rare and wild from India and seldom seen in the trade – one reason they are a bit pricey. The good news is that these fish are hardy and adapt well to aquariums.