Hampala Barb
- Aquarium size — from 500 L
- Temperature — 20–26°C
- pH — 5.5–8.0
- Water hardness — soft to medium hard (2–20 dGH)
- Substrate — any
- Lighting — moderate
- Brackish water — no
- Water movement — moderate
- Adult size — up to 50–70 cm
- Diet — high‑protein foods
- Temperament — active, predatory
- Best kept in groups of 5+ with large tankmates
Overview
The Hampala Barb (Hampala macrolepidota) is a large, fast‑swimming cyprinid from Southeast Asia. In the wild it is an important sport fish, and in the aquarium hobby it is kept by enthusiasts who enjoy active, shoaling predators in very large tanks.
Because of its size and energy level this species is not suitable for small aquariums or peaceful community setups. Young fish may look manageable, but they grow quickly and require substantial swimming space.
Habitat
Hampala Barbs inhabit rivers, streams, reservoirs and flooded forests in Thailand, Myanmar and neighbouring countries. They favour clear, well‑oxygenated waters with moderate current, often in the middle and upper layers of the water column.
Seasonal changes in water level influence their movements, with fish following schools of smaller prey and invertebrates along river channels and flooded areas.
Description
These barbs have a robust, torpedo‑shaped body adapted for fast swimming. The base colour is silvery to golden with dark vertical bars or blotches along the sides and a characteristic black band near the tail peduncle in many populations.
In nature they can reach 60–70 cm, although aquarium specimens are usually smaller. Nonetheless, even sub‑adult fish are large enough to view small tankmates as food.
Feeding
In the wild Hampala Barbs feed mainly on smaller fish and aquatic invertebrates. In captivity they readily accept a variety of foods: quality carnivore pellets, frozen fish and shrimp, krill, earthworms and other high‑protein items.
Avoid overfeeding fatty foods and provide a varied diet to support healthy growth and coloration. Because they are very active, they burn a lot of energy, but you still need to watch water quality closely.
Care and aquarium setup
A group of Hampala Barbs requires a very large aquarium, from 500 liters and ideally more. The tank should be long and wide to provide extended swimming runs. Use strong filtration and additional powerheads to create a moderate current, which helps mimic their natural environment.
Substrate can be sand or gravel, with rocks, driftwood and hardy plants along the back and sides. Maintain good oxygenation and regular water changes; this species is sensitive to high levels of nitrogenous waste.
Behavior and compatibility
Hampala Barbs are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups of at least five individuals. Lone specimens can become nervous and more aggressive. Within the group a loose hierarchy forms, but serious fights are rare in sufficiently large tanks.
Tankmates must be large, strong swimmers that can handle the constant movement and occasional chasing — for example other big cyprinids or large catfish. Small, slow or long‑finned fish are not suitable companions.