Blacknose Butterfly Barb (Enteromius candens)
| Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Blacknose Butterfly Barb |
| Name Lat. | Enteromius candens |
| Synonym | Barbus candens |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Forest streams, swamps |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 1-5 °dH |
| Aquarium | 60 cm / 54 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 18-89 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the red triangle barbs is the catchment area of the upper and middle Congo and the Lualaba River, which flows into the Congo. There they live in slow flowing streams with partly dense vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied planting, which offers both shelters, as well as swimming space and roots, which serve as a retreat. In shaded light (floating plant cover) and a dark, fine substrate they show the most beautiful coloration.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They require mainly animal food, supplemented with vegetable. The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, tubifex, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also eaten in frozen form without any problems, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with high-quality dry food (flakes, granules). To cover their need for plant food, they regularly require crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with high plant content (e.g. spirulina, kelp).
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful, agile schooling fish, which can be well socialized with other small and peaceful fish, better is the care in a species tank. At least 5, but preferably much more red triangle barbs should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized
Sex dimorphism
The males are more intensely colored and slimmer.
Reproduction and breeding
To lay eggs, the pair burrows into the soft soil covered with several centimeters of peat. After about 6 days the young hatch.
Young fish must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the young fish are easy prey.
Important
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF