Fiveband barb - Puntius pentazona

Scientific name: Puntius pentazona

Common name: Fiveband barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.1 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 13°N (71.43 - 232.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 29 °C (75.2 - 84.2°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

Use a quality flake for the staple diet but to supplement this give them treats of blood worms, tubifex and brine shrimp. Fiveband barbs are shy at feeding times so make sure that they get their fair share of the food.

Origin

Southeast Asia; Fiveband barbs are found in the waterways of Borneo and Singapore.

Sexing

Females will be larger than the males with a stockier body shape. The males will display a brighter colouration.

Breeding

Add spawning mops or Java moss to the breeding tank, these fish are egg scatterers so this will help the eggs from being eaten. When spawning is complete, remove the parents and after 24-30 hours the eggs should hatch. 4-5 days later the fry should be free swimming and can be fed on Infusoria, as they grow their diet can change to newly hatched brine shrimp. The fry are extremely sensitive to large water changes, it is better to do a small one every day to keep the quality high.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Puntius pentazona is 5-8 years.

Short description

High water quality will ensure that Puntius pentazona display their best colouration. Never add them to a new tank set up as they require mature water. They are classed as nervous fish so tank mates should be slow swimmers and peaceful. Plant the tank but leave open swimming spaces.

Pictures

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