Page 88 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

86 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Barbodes lateristriga Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus Hypsibarbus wetmorei
T-Barb Round-Banded Barb Pale Barb

ORIGINS Southeast Asia, from Thailand across the ORIGINS Asia, where it is thought to be restricted to the ORIGINS Southeast Asia, where its distribution is
Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. island of Borneo. restricted to Thailand.
SIZE 7 in (18 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 7 in (18 cm).
DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); soft WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); hard
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5). (100–150 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social.
T-shaped This is one of the rarer Asiatic barbs. Under good
black water conditions and subdued lighting, the body Dark edging Humped back
marking to the scales
coloration of Round-Banded Barbs is a faint
pink. It will turn more silvery if the light is too
bright, with the broad, irregular black markings
also fading. Frequent partial water changes are
vital to keep nitrate levels low, and aquarium
peat should be added to the filter (see p.46).
Set against the pale, golden-yellow body color, Variable dark
the black patterning of this barb is reminiscent patterning The characteristic lemony-orange fin coloration
of the silhouette of a monkey wrench. The is evident only on the lower fins of this barb;
patterning fades, however, as these relatively the dorsal fin is relatively transparent. A silvery
large barbs mature. T-Barbs have proved harder body color and large scales are also typical.
to breed than related species, but when they do Unfortunately, these fish grow to a large size,
spawn, the females can produce several hundred so they require a suitably spacious aquarium to
eggs in a well-planted tank. The adults should be provide adequate swimming space. Pale Barbs can
removed immediately afterward, to prevent them be sexed easily only during the spawning period,
from devouring their own eggs. when females swell with eggs.

Enteromius fasciolatus
African Barb

ORIGINS Southern Africa, occurring in southern Zaire,
Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
SIZE 2 in (5 cm).
DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 73–79°F (23–26°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social.
An elongated body and striking orange coloration
make African Barbs unmistakable. Although the
distinctive black striping varies between
individuals, male African Barbs can be
distinguished by their slimmer shape.
These lively fish should be kept in
small groups containing at least
six individuals. They need a
darkened tank, with an open
area for swimming and a
well-planted perimeter.
Include bogwood to
provide them with hiding
places; otherwise, they will swim
around nervously. African Barbs spawn in clumps
of vegetation, but they are likely to eat their eggs
and fry if left in the tank with them. Give the
young fry food once they are free-swimming, and
then progress to brine shrimp.

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