Blue-barred barb - Barbus fasciolatus

Scientific name: Barbus fasciolatus

Common name: Blue-barred barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 12°N (142.86 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 25 °C (73.4 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Blue-Barred Barb (Barbus fasciolatus) is native to the Zambezi River systems in Africa. In their natural habitat, they are accustomed to slow-moving waters with soft, slightly acidic conditions. The rivers and streams where they thrive are often densely vegetated, providing ample cover and foraging spots for these peaceful fish. Mimicking these conditions in the aquarium will help them feel more at home and encourage natural behaviors.

Food and Feeding

Blue-Barred Barbs are omnivorous and will readily accept a variety of foods. Offer them high-quality flake food as their main diet, supplemented with protein-rich options like live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Including bloodworms in their diet is particularly effective in bringing out their vibrant coloration. Additionally, you can offer vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes to provide a balanced diet. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day to keep them healthy and active.

Sexing

Sexing Blue-Barred Barbs is relatively straightforward, especially during the breeding season. Males exhibit brighter coloration and more intense blue bars when they are in spawning mode. Females, in contrast, are slightly rounder and display a more subdued coloration.

Breeding

Blue-Barred Barbs are egg scatterers and can be bred in a well-prepared breeding tank. To encourage spawning, set up a separate breeding tank with a temperature of 23-25°C (73.4-77°F) and maintain a pH of 6.0-6.5. Add fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or include spawning mops, which provide a surface for the eggs to adhere to. Typically, the eggs are laid in the early hours of the morning.

Once the eggs are laid, promptly remove the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about 24-48 hours, depending on the water conditions. Once the fry become free-swimming, feed them with infusoria or commercially available fry food. After a few days, as the fry grow, introduce crushed flake food or newly hatched brine shrimp to their diet. Keep the water parameters stable during this period, as the fry are particularly sensitive to changes.

Lifespan

With proper care, Blue-Barred Barbs can live for 3-5 years in an aquarium. Ensuring stable water conditions, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment will help maximize their lifespan and maintain their vibrant colors.

General Care Tips

Blue-Barred Barbs are best kept in small groups of 6 or more to promote their natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. These peaceful fish thrive in a well-planted tank with open swimming spaces. Use a fine-gravel substrate and include a variety of plants to provide cover and mimic their natural habitat. They prefer soft, acidic water with a pH range of 6.0-6.5 and water hardness between 8-12°N (142.86 - 214.29 ppm). Maintain a water temperature of 23-25°C (73.4-77°F) to keep them healthy and active.

Perform regular water changes, ideally 20-30% weekly, to keep water conditions stable. Blue-Barred Barbs are generally peaceful but can become aggressive toward smaller fish if kept in small, overcrowded aquariums. They can be housed with other similarly tempered fish, such as small tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive species that share their preference for soft, acidic water. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping fish, as this can cause stress and disrupt their peaceful nature. By providing a stable environment, a varied diet, and the right tank mates, you will see them thrive and display their beautiful blue bars in full glory.

Short Description

The Blue-Barred Barb is a small, peaceful species known for its vibrant blue bars and dynamic schooling behavior. Reaching a size of 6-7 cm (2.36-2.76 inches) in the aquarium, they are best kept in groups to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. While males may occasionally bicker when displaying to females, these interactions are generally harmless. Providing open swimming spaces and soft, acidic water is key to their well-being in a community setup.