Red Side Barb (Puntius bimaculatus)
| Red Side Barb Puntius bimaculatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Red Side Barb |
| Name Lat. | Puntius bimaculatus |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | South Asia |
| Habitat | Streams, tributaries |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-4 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 7 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 2-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.8" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 36-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Two-spotted barbs are widespread in the river systems of southern India as well as in the Nilwala River basin in Sri Lanka. They live both in mountain streams and in the middle reaches of smaller rivers and streams with gravel and stone-covered bottoms and dense riparian vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. With shaded light (floating plant cover) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) 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
In nature they feed on insects, small crustaceans, algae and plankton. The food offer consists of live food, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with frozen special food mixtures. Especially daphnia, artemia and red mosquito larvae must not be missing. In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as algae leaves, pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules) with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)
Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and sociable, but somewhat shy fish and can be socialized well with other peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more two-spotted barbs should be kept together
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are more slender and have a dark red longitudinal band extending from the gill cover to the root of the tail.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free-spawners that do not engage in brood care. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns between fine-feathered plants (Java moss). The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The foliage (e.g., sea almond leaves), when decaying, promotes the development of microorganisms that provide a valuable secondary food source
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have 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: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF