Clown Barb

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment5–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Clown Barb (Barbodes everetti) comes from Borneo and the Malay Peninsula and reaches about 10 to 13 cm. Adults are a warm orange-pink with four irregular blue-black blotches along the flank and reddish fins, and they are noticeably heavier-bodied than most community barbs. A group of six or more needs 200 litres or more, and a long tank, at 22-28C, pH 6.0 to 7.5 in soft to moderately hard water, with open swimming space and only robust plants. Feed a quality flake or pellet with a real vegetable component plus frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Two honest points: it eats plants enthusiastically, so a delicate planted aquascape will not survive it, and it is fast and boisterous rather than aggressive, which still makes it a poor companion for slow or long-finned fish. In a large tank with rainbowfish, larger tetras, loaches and medium catfish it is an excellent, hardy and characterful shoaler that is rarely seen well kept.

• How active is a Clown Barb?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Clown Barb need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Clown Barb need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Clown Barb a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Clown Barb live?

  5–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Clown Barb?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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