Description
The Diamond Shark (Hypsibarbus wetmorei) is also commonly known as the Pale Barb or Golden Belly Barb. Like most popular aquarium sharks, the diamond shark is actually a type of barb, and will live absolutely fine in community tropical aquariums.
Diamond shark's can grow quite large, and are fast swimmers, so ensure you have an aquarium large enough to accommodate them. They will thrive in small groups of 3 to 5, but can be kept solitary without issue. Diamond Sharks have been given the names Lemon Fin Barb, Yellow Belly Barb, Yellow Tinfoil Barb, and Golden Belly Barb, among others.
The Diamond Shark is widespread in mainland Southeast Asia, including the lower Mekong basin in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, and Malaysia, as far south as the Pahang River. They prefer flowing waterways and rivers to standing pools. The Diamond Shark is a migratory fish, especially during the spawning season.
Diamond sharks are not generally aggressive, but they are fast swimmers, which means they can unsettle nervous fish and may outcompete others at feeding time. They can be kept in community aquariums, but ensure the fish tank is large enough to accommodate long-term growth.
How big do Diamond Sharks get?
In captive aquaria, Diamond Shark's tend to grow to a maximum of around 25-30cm, or 12" inches. However, in the wild, the Diamond Shark or Golden Belly Barb has been known to grow to twice the size, with females reaching around 25" inches.
Features
Approx. supplied size: 4-5" / 10-12cm
Maximum size: 12" / 30cm
Origin: Southeast Asia and Malay Peninsular
Family: Cyprinidae
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 3+
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25 °C
Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
Water flow: low, moderate or fast
Temperature: 23–28 °C
Ease of Care
Easy. Can grow moderately large but at a fairly slow rate. Will tolerate both slow and fast flowing water.
Feeding
Omnivore. Feed a mixture of flake and granules. As they grow, frozen shrimp and bloodworm to supplement.
Breeding
The species does not breed readily in home aquaria. Sexing is difficult, although females are usually larger than males.
Life Span
They can live 5-10 years in perfect conditions.
Photos are for illustration only - one supplied.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
In stock orders placed before 2pm will be despatched on the same working day (not including palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds).
Pre-orders are shipped once we have the stock available and will be shipped using the service chosen at checkout.
All services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard. Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
| SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
| Packet/Courier items | ||
| Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
| Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
| Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
| Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
| Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
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Pallets Standard (3-5 days) |
- | FREE |
|
Pallets Express (1-2 days) |
- | £39.99 |
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| *EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply: | |
| Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
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Zone 1 (7-10 days) |
- | £79.99 |
| Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
| Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
| Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
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| All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones