Spanner Barb
Barbodes lateristriga
Spanner barbs (Barbodes lateristriga) are vibrant freshwater fish native to the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. They have golden bodies with pinkish fins and three distinct dark bars resembling a spanner's shape, hence their name. These peaceful schooling fish thrive in groups of six or more in well-oxygenated waters with a vegetable-rich diet. They can grow up to 18 cm and prefer rocky streams with fast-flowing, clear water.
Current Size – 7-8cm
Adult Length – 18cm
Temperature Range – 25 - 28°C
pH Range – 6.0 – 7.5
Special Requirements - These fish should be kept in a shoal of 6 or more. They will thrive in a large, well planted environment.
Tanks Mates and Compatibility – Not aggressive but will eat small fishes and can upset slow-moving or more timid tankmates with its constant activity and rather vigorous feeding behaviour. It is therefore only appropriate for very large tanks containing robust, similarly-sized tankmates. There are plenty of suitable choices including many cichlids, catfish, other cyprinids and characins.
Ideal Number to Keep – This species is found swimming in large schools in nature and some individuals can become skittish or even aggressive if kept in insufficient numbers in the aquarium, meaning a group of six or more should be the smallest considered. You will be rewarded with a much more natural-looking display plus interesting behaviour from the fish as they interact with conspecifics.
Feeding – Ideally, offer regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Daphnia and Artemia along with good quality dried flakes, granules and plenty of vegetable matter. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Larger specimens will also take chopped earthworm, prawn, mussel etc., but take care not to overfeed.
Please note – Some images used are library photos and will show the colour potential at a fully mature size, as our fish are juveniles they may vary.
We always aim to supply the fish as close to the purchase size as possible. On rare occasions if this is not possible we will contact you.
The fish are selected at random however you are welcome to make a note on the order and the fish manager will do his best for you, requests are dependent on stock at the time of your order.
