The Stripped Barb is known from small, blackwater rainforest streams and peat swamps with dense riparian vegetation. The water is stained a tea colour from the tannins released from decaying organic material, the silty substrate often littered with twigs/fallen leaves, and punctuated with submerged tree roots. The Stripped Barb is a peaceful shoaling species that should be maintained in good-sized groups; 6 would be considered the minimum, 10 or more would be better.
Current Size – 2-3cm
Adult Length – 12cm
Temperature Range – 22 - 26°C
pH Range – 5.0 – 7.0
Special Requirements - Avoid tank mates with long fins. The temptation will be too much for them. A dark substrate, driftwood, and plenty of robust plants will help mimic their natural habitat and intensify their natural coloration.
Tanks Mates and Compatibility – This species is notoriously aggressive with a reputation for biting the fins of other fishes, although this behaviour only seems to be pronounced when insufficient numbers are purchased or space is limited. They are excellent community fish and pair wonderfully with other non-boisterous species like tetras, rasboras, loaches, corydoras, and peaceful gouramis.
Ideal Number to Keep – A group of at least 8-10 specimens should be considered the minimum purchase since this increases the likelihood that the fish will be distracted by each other rather than their tankmates and will result in a more natural-looking display. Males will also show better colouration in the presence of conspecific rivals.
Feeding – They are opportunistic omnivores. In the aquarium, they happily accept high-quality flakes, micropellets, and algae-based foods like spirulina. To maintain their vibrant striping, their diet should be regularly supplemented with live or frozen treats like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
We recommend:
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.
