Morse barb - Barbus sublineatus
Scientific name: Barbus sublineatus
Common name: Morse barb
Family: Cyprinidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 10 cm (2.76 - 3.94 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.7 - 7.7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 11 - 21°N (196.43 - 375ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°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: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Morse barbs will accept all foods offered, use a quality flake for the staple diet but give these fish treats of live or frozen foods in the form of brine shrimp or blood worm. For vegetable matter add spirulina flake or algae wafers to the diet.
Origin
Africa; The Niger river.
Sexing
Males tend to be more slender than the females; the females will have a stockier body shape.
Breeding
Add spawning mops or Java moss to the breeding tank and subdue the lighting. The parents will normally spawn at day break and will scatter the eggs around the tank. Once spawning is complete, remove the parents and once the fry are free swimming they can be fed on Infusoria initially.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Morse barb is 3-5 years.
Short description
Barbus sublineatus are best kept in small groups of at least 6 specimens. Try not to keep them with tank mates that have long, flowing fins as they can be fin nippers if tempted.