T-Barb (Puntigrus partipentazona) Care Guide

A peaceful barb closely related to the Tiger Barb but with incomplete vertical bars that form a T-shape.

Overview

Puntigrus partipentazona is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A peaceful barb closely related to the Tiger Barb but with incomplete vertical bars that form a T-shape. Less aggressive than its Tiger cousin, making it a better choice for community tanks with slower, long-finned fish.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Puntigrus
Scientific name: Puntigrus partipentazona
Other names: Spanner Barb
Origin: Southeast Asia, Borneo, Thailand

Habitat

Native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo, where it inhabits forest streams and peat-swamp tributaries. A close relative of the tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) distinguished by an incomplete fourth vertical bar; an active shoaling cyprinid that may nip fins when kept in small numbers.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 23-27 °C
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 4-5 cm
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Neon Tetra, Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora, Cherry Barb
Avoid with: Large Aggressive Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate