Five Banded Barb

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• 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.

• Commitment4–6 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

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

The Five Banded Barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) comes from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Borneo and reaches about 4 to 5 cm. Its five vertical black bars on an orange-copper body are often confused with the very similar six-banded tiger barb pattern, but this is a quieter and more delicate fish entirely. A group of eight or more needs 80 litres or more at 24-28C in soft acidic water, pH 5.0 to 7.0, ideally tinted with leaf litter and wood, densely planted and dimly lit. Feed small flake, micro pellets and frozen daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp. It is peaceful and does not nip, which sets it apart from most barbs, but it is correspondingly shy and easily intimidated, so tankmates should be small and calm. Hard alkaline water and bright open tanks are the usual reasons it does badly. In a South East Asian blackwater setup with harlequin rasboras and kuhli loaches it is confident, colourful and long-lived.

• How active is a Five Banded Barb?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Five Banded Barb need?

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

• What tank size does a Five Banded Barb need?

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

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

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

• How long do Five Banded Barb live?

  4–6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Five Banded 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.

Be the first to join this community!