Five-banded barb
Desmopuntius pentazona · Cyprinidae
Also known as Pentazona barb
Intermediate
A calmer, smaller alternative to the tiger barb for a soft blackwater community.
In short: A five-banded barb needs at least 90 L (24 US gal), water at 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and pH 5–7. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 8 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 5–7
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 8+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 5–7
- Hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — micro pellets, flake, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Malay Peninsula and Borneo
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Blackwater peat swamp forests
- Natural conditions
- Very soft acidic water with leaf litter and dim light.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 8 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- Chili rasboraCorydorasSparkling gourami
- Avoid
- Hard alkaline waterBoisterous fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Females are rounder and paler.
- Notes
- Needs very soft acidic water to spawn.
- Common ailments
- IchSensitivity to hard water
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