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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Johor Barb Breeding Guide
Overview
Desmopuntius johorensis is a slim, striped barb from the Malay region. Seriously Fish describes it as an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. It comes from soft, acidic waters, which should be reflected in the spawning setup.
Sexing
Males are noticeably smaller and slimmer than females and show more intense colouration. Females are fuller-bodied, especially when in spawning condition.
Conditioning
Condition the adults together on a varied diet of small live, frozen and dried foods until the females are clearly gravid, which is the signal to set up spawning.
Breeding Setup
Prepare a separate, very dimly lit tank with mature water. Cover the base with mesh, plastic grass matting or glass marbles so the eggs fall through out of the adults' reach, or use fine-leaved plants such as Taxiphyllum species or spawning mops. Add an air-powered sponge filter or air stone. Keep the water slightly acidic to neutral and the temperature toward the upper end of the range.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Introduce one or two pairs when the females appear gravid; spawning should take place the following morning. Alternatively spawn a group of about half a dozen of each sex. The adults will consume eggs if given the chance and should be removed immediately.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in about 24 to 36 hours, and the fry are free-swimming after roughly 3 to 4 days. Feed an infusoria-grade food for the first few days, then microworm, Artemia nauplii and similar foods.
Common Challenges
Soft, stable water suits this species, and getting the chemistry right aids spawning. As with related barbs, the parents readily eat their eggs, so prompt removal is essential.