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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Striped barb

Desmopuntius johorensis

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The striped barb (Desmopuntius johorensis) is an active Southeast Asian shoaling fish that grows much larger than small barbs commonly sold in shops. Seriously Fish lists up to 10 cm standard length and recommends a minimum 120 × 45 cm base, about 243 litres. Keep a group of eight to ten. Juveniles have dark vertical bars that change into broad lateral stripes as they grow. The species can be confused with other striped Desmopuntius and has historically appeared under names misapplied to D. hexazona. Identify it carefully and plan for adult size.

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At a glance

Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
5.0–7.0
GH
1–10 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 120 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 243 L
Adult size
Up to 10 cm
Group size
At least 8–10 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

The currently valid name is Desmopuntius johorensis (Duncker, 1904). Former combinations include Barbus tetrazona johorensis and Systomus johorensis; Puntius eugrammus has also been used. The name Puntius johorensis was misapplied to D. hexazona in older sources. This is not a reason to merge the two species. Juvenile striped barbs show four dark vertical bars; as they grow, five or six broad lateral stripes develop.

Natural habitat

The species occurs in southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo. It mainly inhabits peat swamps, blackwater streams and other still waters with submerged grasses and dense riparian vegetation. Humic acids stain the water brown and mineral content is low; natural pH can be very low. These field conditions support a soft-water preference, but extreme values should not be abruptly pursued in an aquarium.

Aquarium and layout

Follow the substantial recommendation of a 120 × 45 cm base and about 243 litres; adults can reach 10 cm standard length. Keep eight to ten fish and provide ample lateral swimming room. Combine soft substrate, subdued light, plants, roots and branches with open space. Microsorum, Taxiphyllum and Cryptocoryne may suit these conditions. An adult shoal in a small standard aquarium is unsuitable, even with strong filtration.

Water conditions

Seriously Fish recommends 20–25 °C, pH 5.0–7.0 and GH 1–10 dGH. Peat-swamp habitats can be much more acidic than this practical aquarium range. Keep parameters stable and do not try to reproduce extreme pH through rapid chemical adjustment. Acclimate gradually and choose tankmates that tolerate similar temperatures and hardness long-term.

Behaviour and group size

This is a shoaling fish that should be kept with at least eight to ten conspecifics. Choose calm, robust companions and prevent feeding competition. Because the barb grows large, very small fish may become prey later. Also assess swimming space, activity, temperature and feeding access. No individually verified species pairs are linked here; species sharing a natural habitat are not automatically suitable aquarium companions.

Feeding

The wild diet is described as probable omnivorous foraging on diatoms, algae, detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. Offer quality complete flakes or granules, with some plant or algal content, and vary with suitable small portions of frozen or live foods such as Daphnia and Artemia. Distribute food so all fish in the shoal can feed.

Breeding

The species is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care, following the specialist source’s genus-level account. A separate dimly lit breeding tank with mesh, marbles, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops is a common method for related species. Do not present exact hatching times as confirmed for D. johorensis. Adults may eat eggs and should be removed after spawning.

Sources & review

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

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