Clown Barb Care Guide
Barbodes everetti, the clown barb, is a large peaceful cyprinid from forest streams of Borneo that needs a roomy planted tank.
Overview
Barbodes everetti, the clown barb, is a freshwater cyprinid described by Boulenger in 1894. It has a bold orange-red body marked with dark vertical blotches. The species was named after the British administrator Alfred Hart Everett. It is a peaceful, active schooling fish suited to larger aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Barbodes
- Scientific name: Barbodes everetti
- Author: Boulenger, 1894
- Common synonyms: Puntius everetti, Systomus everetti
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish the species is endemic to Sarawak and parts of West Kalimantan on Indonesian Borneo, with unconfirmed reports from Sumatra. It inhabits clear forest streams in foothill country with variable flow, favouring marginal zones in swifter areas and shallow pools. FishBase similarly describes it from forest streams, preferring quieter areas along the shores.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (base of about 120 cm or larger recommended)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Size: 10-13 cm (FishBase max length 15 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is an omnivore. FishBase reports that it feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. In the aquarium it accepts small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside quality dried flakes and granules.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, mid-water schooling fish that is more confident and displays natural behaviour when kept in groups of six or more. Because of its eventual size it is best combined with similarly robust tankmates such as larger loaches, and very small fish should be avoided as potential prey.
Breeding
It is an egg-scattering free spawner that gives no parental care. Sexually mature males show a more intense colour pattern and develop tubercles on the head when spawning, while females grow larger and heavier-bodied with less colour.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).