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The Five Banded Barb, also known as the Hexazon Barb, is a golden color with six black bars running vertically on each side of the body. It should not be confused with the Six Banded Barb (P. hexazona) which also has six bands. Its first band, however, is wider than the eyes, and the second band completely surrounds the body.

The Five Banded Barb prefers a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Five Banded Barb is a schooling fish and will do best in a small group of five or more individuals. If given a large enough school, they will typically not bother any other fish in the aquarium.

It is best when trying to breed the Five Banded Barb to provide coarse gravel in the breeding tank, and after the eggs have been laid, remove the parents. In most cases, 200 eggs will hatch after a little over one full day, and the fry should be fed baby brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.

The Five Banded Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetable as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Ideal tank mates include: Tetras, Barbs, Gouramis, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Rainbowfish, Discus, Angelfish, South American Dwarf Cichlids (such as Rams and Apistogrammas), Plecos, Catfish and Loaches.