False eightstripe barb - Eirmotus octozona

Scientific name: Eirmotus octozona

Common name: False eightstripe barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7.1

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 1 - 11°N (17.86 - 196.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Although False eightstripe barbs will accept quality flake or small pellets these should be varied on a regular basis with live or frozen foods to get the best colouration from the fish. Daphnia and brine shrimp are greedily accepted.

Origin

Asia; False eightstripe barbs are found in Western Malaysia.

Sexing

Males are slimmer than the females and will display a red tinge to their fins when in top condition.

Breeding

Add Java moss or spawning mops to the breeding tank to provide spawning sites. The eggs will be scattered around the spawning medium and once spawning is complete, the parents should be removed. The eggs will hatch in 3 days and a few days later the fry will be free swimming. At this stage they can be fed on Infusoria until large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Eirmotus octozona is 6 years.

Short description

Eirmotus octozona are not ideal for community tanks as they have a shy nature and will not compete for food. It is better to keep them in a species tank and always keep them in a small group of at least 8 specimens.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.