Five-banded Barb
Barbus pentazona
The Five-banded Barb grows to about 5 cm. Its body is deep and laterally compressed, silvery with five distinct vertical black bands. The fins are transparent with sometimes a reddish tint. It is a schooling fish that lives in acidic waters. It is active but non-aggressive, unlike some of its cousins. It spends its time foraging at the bottom and mid-water. In the aquarium, it appreciates dense plants and shaded areas. Its coloration is more pronounced in males during breeding season.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 5–7 |
| GH | 2–10 |
| KH | 1–5 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature between 24 and 28°C, pH 5.0 to 7.0, GH 2 to 10. A minimum tank of 60 liters is recommended for a group of 6 to 8 individuals. Water should be soft and slightly acidic, enriched with tannins if possible. Feed with varied foods: flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp. This barb is peaceful and compatible with other similarly sized fish like rasboras and corydoras. Avoid aggressive barbs like the Tiger Barb. Regular water changes are important. Breeding is possible in soft acidic water with fine plants; eggs are scattered in open water.