Snakeskin Barb (Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus)
| Snakeskin Barb Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Snakeskin Barb |
| Name Lat. | Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus |
| Synonym | Puntius rhomboocellatus |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | South Asia |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-6 cm |
| Temperature | 23-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.4" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the rhombus barbs are small waters in the dense rainforest of Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. They live mainly in slow-flowing streams and pools with roots, foliage and sometimes dense aquatic vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. With shaded light (floating plants) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and a soft, slightly acidic water they show the most beautiful coloration.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite must be detectable in the water, the nitrate value must 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 the wild they feed on worms, insects, small crustaceans and detritus. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia Artemia or red mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with vegetable ingredients (e.g. spirulina).
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively but peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized well with other peaceful fish. Males occasionally threaten each other without serious altercations. At least 5, but preferably more rhombus barbs should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized
Sex dimorphism
The males are more intensely colored and somewhat smaller and more slender than the rounder females.
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 among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week. The juveniles resemble five-belt barbs because the rhombus pattern develops only as they age
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). 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: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF