Blue-barred barb - Barbus fasciolatus
Scientific name: Barbus fasciolatus
Common name: Blue-barred barb
Family: Cyprinidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 6.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 12°N (142.86 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 25 °C (73.4 - 77°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Africa
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Blue-barred barbs will accept all foods offered. Quality flake should be given; feeding them blood worm in their diet will bring out their coloration.
Origin
Africa; Blue-barred barbs are found on the Zambezi River systems.
Sexing
Males will display a brighter coloration when in spawning mode.
Breeding
Include a spawning mop or fine leaved plants in the breeding tank. The eggs will normally be laid in the early hours of the morning but remove the parents when this has occurred. The eggs should hatch between 24-48 hours and the fry, once free swimming can be fed on Infusoria. After a few days, when the fry have grown slightly, they can be fed on crushed flake or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Blue-barred barb is 3-5 years.
Short description
Best kept in small groups, the males may bicker with each other when displaying to the females. Open swimming spaces should be provided in the tank, Barbus fasciolatus prefer sot, acidic water.