T-Barb (Spanner Barb) Care Guide
Barbodes lateristriga is a large Southeast Asian barb with a T-shaped marking, boisterous as an adult and best kept with robust tankmates.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Barbodes lateristriga, the T-barb or spanner barb, is a large cyprinid from Southeast Asia named for the T-shaped dark marking on its flank. Juveniles are peaceful and form aggregations, while mature individuals become more solitary and boisterous. It was formerly classified as Puntius lateristriga and is listed by FishBase under the synonym Striuntius lateristriga.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Barbodes
- Scientific name: Barbodes lateristriga
- Synonyms: Puntius lateristriga, Striuntius lateristriga
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish, the species occurs in southern (peninsular) Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Java; FishBase gives the broader range of the Malay Peninsula to Borneo. It inhabits clear forest streams strewn with smooth, water-worn rocks and boulders, often in pools at the base of waterfalls.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more when young
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. In the wild it forages on diatoms and algae and also takes worms, crustaceans and insects (FishBase). In the aquarium it accepts good-quality dried foods with plant content alongside live and frozen items such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
Adults are quite boisterous and can intimidate less robust species; Seriously Fish notes mature males may become solitary and belligerent. It is best housed in spacious tanks with other robust cyprinids of similar size, and very small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Barbodes lateristriga is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. According to Seriously Fish, eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and fry become free-swimming after three to four days; a dimly lit spawning tank with fine-leaved plants or mesh helps protect the eggs.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019), per FishBase.
T-Barb Breeding Guide
Overview
Barbodes lateristriga is a large Southeast Asian barb that, according to Seriously Fish, spawns readily when in good condition. It is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care, and its size means a roomy spawning tank is needed.
Sexing
Males show a more intense colour pattern than females and develop noticeable head tubercles in spawning condition, and some males develop an enlarged head profile. Females grow a little larger, are heavier-bodied and less colourful.
Conditioning
The adult group can be conditioned together on a varied diet of live, frozen and dried foods. Condition the fish until the females are plainly gravid and males show their tubercles.
Breeding Setup
Set up a smaller, very dimly lit aquarium filled with mature water. Cover the base with mesh 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 for oxygenation and gentle movement. Keep the pH slightly acidic to neutral and the temperature toward the upper end of the range.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Introduce one or two well-conditioned pairs, or spawn a group of about half a dozen of each sex. The adults will probably eat the eggs given the chance and should be removed as soon as any are noticed.
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
Adults can be boisterous and reach a large size, so a spacious spawning tank and prompt removal after spawning are important. As with other barbs, the parents readily consume their own eggs.