Five-Banded Barb (Desmopuntius pentazona)

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Five-Banded Barb

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Five-Banded Barb

Desmopuntius pentazona

76 Litres (20 US G.)

3.8-5.1cm (1.5-2 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.0 - 7.0

23.9-27.8°C (75 -82 °F)

2-13 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Cyprinidae



Additional names

Five-Banded Barb, Banded Barb, Fiveband Barb, Pentazona Barb

Additional scientific names

Barbus pentazona, Barbus pentazona pentazona, Puntius pentazona


Origin

Asia: Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Indonesia.


Sexing

Males tend to be more slender and colourful than females.


Tank compatibility

Puntius pentazona works well with other Barbs and Rasboras, as well as small, peaceful Loaches and Gouramis. Should be kept in groups of at least 5 of its own kind.


Diet

Reportedly they are not fond of flake foods, however this is changing over time as generations are tank reared. Their preference is live or frozen food such as bloodworms and daphnia or mosquito larvae.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

P. pentazona thrives in soft, slightly acidic water, preferably with peat filtration. A dark substrate and subdued lighting (from floating plants) best shows their delicate colours. Complete the tank with plants, rocks and driftwood, leaving an open area in the middle for swimming.


Behaviour

Puntius pentazona is an active, peaceful shoaling (schooling) fish that is a blast to watch. However, they will become timid with boisterous fish.


Identification

This fish has very very similar colouration to the Tiger Barb, the Pentazona Barb however is not as high bodied and the black bars are more slender.
Can be mistaken for the very similar Desmopuntius hexazona. D.pentazona has a spot at the base of the dorsal fin in between the bars, D.hexazona does not.

Pictures

External links