The Barbu Threadfin is a rare, peaceful brackish-to-marine fish with graceful filaments—perfect for advanced aquarists with large tanks and pristine water.

🐠 **Barbu Threadfin (Polydactylus virginicus) – Aquarium Product Description & Care Guide**

The Barbu Threadfin, or Polydactylus virginicus, is a rarely seen, elegant marine/brackish species prized for its flowing thread-like pectoral filaments and peaceful behavior. Native to the warm coastal waters of the Western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, this species is occasionally available through exotic marine or public aquarium suppliers. It is ideal for advanced hobbyists with large tanks and a dedication to maintaining high water quality.

🌊 Water Conditions & Tank Requirements

Habitat Type: Brackish to full marine (not freshwater)
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 7.8–8.3 (marine range)
Salinity (SG): 1.010 (brackish) to 1.025 (full marine)
Water Hardness: 8–20 dGH
Tank Size:
- Juveniles: Minimum 150 gallons
- Adults: 300–500+ gallons due to adult length and active swimming
Substrate: Sand or soft fine gravel—natural for foraging behavior
Décor: Low-lying rocks or driftwood; mostly open space for swimming
Lighting: Moderate ambient light, not too harsh
Filtration: Heavy-duty canister/sump with excellent oxygenation

🧠 Temperament & Behavior

General Temperament: Peaceful, non-aggressive, and curious
Social Behavior: Non-territorial; may be housed singly or in small, peaceful groups
Tank Positioning: Bottom and mid-water dwelling; active during the day
Intelligence: Moderate; uses barbels (thread-like pectoral rays) to locate food in substrate
Stress Sensitivity: Can be skittish in new environments or poor water quality

🐟 Tank Mates

Ideal Companions:
- Other peaceful, similarly sized brackish/marine fish
- Gobies, scats, monos, or even some rays in very large systems
Avoid:
- Aggressive or fast-feeding tank mates
- Predatory fish or small, bite-sized tank mates
Note: Barbu Threadfins are not aggressive but may be outcompeted by fast or boisterous species

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Diet: Carnivorous, benthic feeder
Feeding Style: Probes substrate using long pectoral filaments (barbels) to detect invertebrates
Preferred Foods:
- Live or frozen mysis shrimp, bloodworms, brine shrimp
- Pieces of marine fish, squid, or clam
- Enriched frozen or gel-based marine foods
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts
Tips: Food must sink—floating pellets are usually ignored

🛠️ Care Level & Maintenance

Care Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
- Best suited for experienced aquarists with brackish or marine system knowledge
Water Quality Sensitivity: High—requires stable parameters and low nitrate levels
Behavioral Needs: Needs ample floor space and swimming room; avoid cramped setups
Disease Resistance: Moderate; stress and poor water lead to vulnerability
Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care

📌 Summary

The Barbu Threadfin (Polydactylus virginicus) is a truly unique addition to advanced brackish or marine aquariums. Its peaceful nature, distinctive long pectoral filaments, and graceful swimming style make it a mesmerizing display species. Though rare in the hobby, it rewards skilled aquarists with one-of-a-kind movement and beauty. Provide a large, stable, and enriched environment to see this threadfin thrive.

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