Johor Barb (Desmopuntius johorensis) Care Guide
Desmopuntius johorensis, the striped or Johor barb, is a slim Cyprinidae from Southeast Asian rivers and blackwater, kept as a peaceful schooler.
Overview
The Johor Barb (Desmopuntius johorensis), commonly called the striped barb, is a slim cyprinid marked with several horizontal dark lines along the flanks. Juveniles can show a vertically barred pattern that gives way to lateral stripes with maturity. It is a peaceful, active shoaling fish and is of minor importance to local fisheries as well as the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Desmopuntius
- Scientific name: Desmopuntius johorensis
- Common synonyms: Puntius johorensis, Systomus johorensis, Barbus tetrazona johorensis
Habitat
The species is native to the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra, with records reaching southern Thailand and Singapore. It is found in the shallows of rivers, streams and ditches, and many populations live in peat swamps and associated blackwater streams that carry little dissolved mineral content and an acidic pH.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals (8-10 preferred)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The Johor Barb is an omnivore. Wild fish graze on diatoms, algae and small organisms. In the aquarium it readily accepts small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside quality flake and granular foods.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water community fish best suited to a setup of calm Southeast Asian species. As a natural schooling fish it should be kept in a group of at least six, with larger groups recommended. Aggressive or boisterous tankmates are best avoided.
Breeding
It is an egg-scattering spawner with no parental care. Eggs hatch in roughly 24-36 hours and the fry are free-swimming after a further 3-4 days.