Five-Banded Barb care guide

Five-Banded Barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 23-27 °C, pH 5-7.

Overview

The Five-Banded Barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) is a small cyprinid from Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, recognised by five narrow vertical bars on a coppery-orange body.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Desmopuntius
Scientific name: Desmopuntius pentazona
Common synonyms: Pentazona Barb

Habitat

Native to soft, acidic blackwater forest streams of southern Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra, with dense leaf litter and shaded vegetation.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
Adult size: 4-5 cm
Temperature: 23-27 °C (73-81 °F)
pH: 5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: low
Lifespan: 3-5 years
School size: ≥6 individuals

Diet

An omnivore. Offer micro-pellets, flakes and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp.

Compatibility

A peaceful schooling species. Keep a group of at least six in a planted blackwater aquarium with subdued lighting. Suitable companions include small rasboras, peaceful gouramis and Corydoras.

Breeding

An egg-scatterer that spawns over fine-leaved plants in very soft, acidic water.