Five-banded barb
Desmopuntius pentazona
The five-banded barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) is a small shoaling fish from northwestern Borneo. It is peaceful, but is often confused in the trade with the closely related D. hexazona. D. pentazona has a dark mark at the rear of the dorsal-fin base; D. hexazona lacks it. The trade label “pentazona” alone is therefore not reliable identification. Seriously Fish gives 55 mm standard length and recommends an 80 × 30 cm aquarium base, about 72 litres, and a group of eight to ten. This fish requires soft, acidic water and calm tankmates.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 21–26 °C
- pH
- 4.0–7.0
- GH
- 1–5 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 80 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 72 L
- Adult size
- Up to 5.5 cm
- Group size
- At least 8–10 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Desmopuntius pentazona was described by Boulenger in 1894. Former combinations include Barbus, Systomus and Puntius pentazona. The current genus is Desmopuntius. Its name refers to the barred pattern. The main practical issue is confusion with D. hexazona: Seriously Fish reports that many fish sold as pentazona belong to that other species. A dark mark at the rear of the dorsal-fin base supports identification as D. pentazona; consider multiple features and provenance when certainty matters.Natural habitat
The species is generally considered endemic to northwestern Borneo; its type locality is in the Baram River drainage of Sarawak. It mainly inhabits peat swamps, associated blackwater streams and other still waters, often among submerged grasses and dense riparian vegetation. The water is humic-stained, mineral-poor and can be extremely acidic in nature. This habitat explains its need for soft, acidic aquarium water, while parameters should still remain stable.Aquarium and layout
Use at least an 80 × 30 cm base and about 72 litres for a group of eight to ten. Leave open swimming space while providing shade and cover with roots, branches, leaf litter and plants. Soft substrate and subdued light suit the habitat. Strong flow is unnecessary. Use mature filtration and keep soft water clean and stable. Check identification carefully: trade fish labelled pentazona are often D. hexazona.Water conditions
Seriously Fish recommends 21–26 °C, pH 4.0–7.0 and GH 1–5 dGH. This is a clear preference for very soft, acidic water. Aim for stability and avoid abrupt pH adjustment; chemical correction can be hazardous. The low natural pH occurs in mineral-poor blackwater and is not a reason to chase extreme aquarium values without a monitoring plan. Choose tankmates that can live long-term in the same soft-water conditions.Behaviour and group size
The five-banded barb is a peaceful shoaling fish; ideally keep eight to ten. Avoid boisterous, very fast or dominant tankmates that may outcompete it for food. Select companions by adult size, swimming behaviour, water chemistry and feeding access. Small peaceful species from similar soft-water habitats may be more suitable, but matching pH alone does not prove compatibility. No individually verified species pairs are linked here.Feeding
This species is a micropredator. In nature it feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans and other zooplankton. It accepts dried foods, but these should not be its only diet. Offer small portions of complete fine food and vary with suitable frozen or live prey such as Daphnia and Artemia. Use several small meals if needed and ensure timid fish get their share.Breeding
The five-banded barb scatters eggs and provides no parental care. For deliberate breeding, condition the adults and use a separate dimly lit tank with an egg grid, marbles, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Remove adults after spawning because they may eat eggs. Seriously Fish reports hatching in 24–36 hours and free swimming after three to four days. Begin with infusoria-grade food and move to larger suitable foods later.Suitable products
Recommended staple foods
Tropical Supervit Basic 100ml
Complete fine food as a staple; supplement with small animal foods.
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Tropical Dafnia 100ml
Daphnia suits as a small supplementary prey, not as a complete staple.
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Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .