African Banded Barb (Barbus fasciolatus) information temperature, pH, tank size, diet

Red-colored dominant males of this unusual barb make it a magnificent planted aquarium fish!.

If you're looking for a truly unique fish to add to your aquarium, look no further than the African Banded Barb (Barbus fasciolatus). Known for its small size and attractive black stripes, it's one of our favorites. When it's mating season, dominant males take on a stunning red coloration that the rest of the population can't ignore. This barb is much smaller and quieter in comparison to the many other barb species. This species gets along well with most other calm aquatic animals.

African Banded Barb prefers the upper and middle levels of water column, even though it can be seen swimming and eating at the bottom of the water. With other small, gentle fish, it is safe to house. The smaller dwarf shrimp and their young may be eaten by this creature. Larger and more peaceful invertebrates may make better tankmates. African Banded Barbs need at least six companions for breeding, and larger groups are preferable to avoid harassing smaller members of a group during mating. Typical of its natural habitat are a low water flow, a high oxygen concentration, and acidic water that is rich in tannin and leaf litter. Floating plants and a dark substrate are ideal for this fish, which thrives in clean water and is best displayed in a planted aquarium.

The African Banded Barb isn't picky about what it eats, so it can thrive and remain vibrant on a varied diet of omnivorous foods. There are many different types of guppy food out there: live, frozen, or freeze-dried Artemia eggs, microworms, Tubifex, and finely chopped bloodworms, and pellets. Health and color can only be achieved with adequate vegetable matter, particularly high-vegetable-content dry foods.