Sucker Barb (Barbichthys laevis)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Sucker Barb

No Image.png
Sucker Barb

Barbichthys laevis

284 Litres (75 US G.)

25-30 cm (9.8-11.8")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.0

23 -26 °C (73.4-78.8°F)

5-10 °d

1:2 M:F

Herbivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Cyprinidae



Additional names

Sucker Barb, Highfin Shark

Additional scientific names

Barbichthys laevis nitidus, Barbichthys laevis sumatranus, Barbichthys nitidus, Barbus brachynemus, Barbus gobioides, Barbus laevis


Origin

Asia: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and Java; Mekong and Chao Phraya basins


Sexing

This fish is very difficult to visually sex, mature females maybe more rounded in the belly.


Tank compatibility

A large and generally peaceful fish that should be kept with similar-sized peaceful fish such as Tin Foil Barbs. May be a threat to very small fish and fish fry. Should not be kept with long-finned and slow-moving fish, nor with very aggressive fish.


Diet

Will accept most foods, feed sinking pellets and flake as well as blanched vegetables such as cucumber and zucchini, will also accept daphnia and other similar live foods.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day, this fish will only feed along the bottom of the tank.


Environment specifics

A large spacious tank with good filtration is essential. They must be provided with places to hide and can do well in larger planted tanks.


Behaviour

A peaceful bottom dweller.


Identification

A striking shark-like fish with a long and deeply-forked caudal fin, the caudal has a dark horizontal band on each lobe. The body is slender and silver in colour with a tall pointed dark dorsal fin.

Pictures

External links