Threespot Barb (Enteromius trispilos)
| Threespot Barb Enteromius trispilos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Threespot Barb |
| Name Lat. | Enteromius trispilos |
| Synonym | Barbus trispilus |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8-10 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 4-8 °dH |
| Aquarium | 100 cm / 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3.1"-3.9" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 71-142 ppm |
| Aquarium | 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the three-spotted barb stretches east of the Nipoué River (Liberia) across the Ivorian basin to the Volta River (Ghana). They live there in small rivers with partly dense vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied planting, which offers both shelters, as well as ample swimming space and roots that serve as a retreat. In shaded light (floating plant cover) and dark 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 are problem-free in feeding. The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, tubifex, artemia and black 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 that can be socialized well with other peaceful fish of appropriate size. At least 5, but preferably considerably more three-spot barbs should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are more intensely colored and slender, showing a crimson belly at spawning time
Reproduction and breeding
The female spawns between dense, fine-textured plants (Java moss), usually in the early morning hours. The larvae hatch after about 40 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is 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: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF