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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Snakeskin barb

Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus

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The snakeskin barb (Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus) is a peaceful shoaling fish from southern Kalimantan on Borneo. Its pattern features dark, diamond-shaped markings. Seriously Fish gives 55 mm standard length and recommends at least an 80 × 30 cm base, about 72 litres, and a shoal of eight to ten. It naturally inhabits peat swamps and blackwater environments and therefore needs very soft, acidic water. Calm tankmates and a stable layout with shade, roots and plants help it display natural behaviour. The species is active within the shoal, so allow space for swimming and make sure food reaches every fish.

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At a glance

Temperature
20–28 °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

The current name is Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus (Koumans, 1940). Former combinations include Puntius rhomboocellatus and Systomus rhomboocellatus; the specialist profile lists Barbus kahajani as a synonym. The species belongs to the striped Southeast Asian barbs transferred to Desmopuntius. Its diamond-like pattern explains the specific epithet and common name snakeskin barb.

Natural habitat

The species is endemic to southern Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, and has been recorded from the Kapuas, Kepayang, Barito and Kahayan river systems. It often inhabits peat swamps, blackwater streams and other still waters with submerged plants and dense riparian vegetation. Humic acids stain the water brown and mineral content is low. This supports a soft-water aquarium, but wild blackwater values should not be copied abruptly in captivity.

Aquarium and layout

Provide at least an 80 × 30 cm base and about 72 litres for eight to ten fish. Give the shoal cover with roots, branches, leaf litter and plants while preserving an open swimming zone. Subdued light and soft substrate suit the habitat. Microsorum, Taxiphyllum and Cryptocoryne are cited as plants that tolerate such conditions. Strong flow is unnecessary; clean, stable water and mature filtration remain essential.

Water conditions

Seriously Fish recommends 20–28 °C, pH 4.0–7.0 and GH 1–5 dGH. The species needs very soft, acidic water. Keep parameters stable and avoid rapid pH correction. Low pH in natural blackwater is not a reason to pursue extreme values without experience. Choose tankmates that can tolerate similar softness and temperatures long-term.

Behaviour and group size

The snakeskin barb is peaceful and should be kept with eight to ten conspecifics. Avoid boisterous, very fast fish that may outcompete it at feeding time. Assess companions by adult size, activity, water requirements and feeding access. No individually verified species relationships are linked here, so compatibility is not inferred from overlapping water values alone.

Feeding

This species is a micropredator that eats small insects, worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. Suitable dried food can be offered, but an exclusively dry diet is inappropriate. Provide small portions of complete fine food and vary with small frozen or live prey such as Daphnia and Artemia. Keep portions modest and ensure every fish in the shoal can feed.

Breeding

The species scatters eggs and provides no parental care, but the specialist source notes direct breeding observations may be lacking. Treat breeding details as guidance for related Desmopuntius, not confirmed species-specific data. A separate dim tank with an egg grid, marbles or fine-leaved plants, followed by adult removal, may be tried. Hatching and free-swimming timings have not been confirmed for this species.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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