Striped Barb (Desmopuntius johorensis)

Striped Barb Desmopuntius johorensis
Name	Striped Barb
Name Lat.	Desmopuntius johorensis
Synonym	Puntius johorensis
Family	Carps
Family lat.	Cyprinidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	South Asia
Habitat	Forest streams, ponds
Diet	Omnivore
pH	5.0-7.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Difficult
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Simple
Life Span	5-8 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	8-10 cm
Temperature	22-25 °C
Hardness	1-10 °dH
Aquarium	150 l
US Units
Size	3"-4"
Temperature	72-77 °F
Hardness	18-178 ppm
Aquarium	40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution range of the line barbs extends from Thailand over the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. They live mostly in the shallow margins of tributaries, in the still water of forest streams, and in lakes and ponds with roots, foliage and 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 nature they feed on worms, small crustaceans, algae 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, algae leaves 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 peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized well with other peaceful, not too shy fish. At least 5, but preferably more line 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, slimmer and smaller 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.

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

In the large distribution area there are some site variants, like "Muar River", "Tebing Tinggi", "Jahore" or "Malaysia".

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 monitored 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: Franz Lowak

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