The body of the Scarlet Barb is silver with a black spot above the pectoral fin. The male has a bright red stripe running horizontally from the head to the tail. It is a very lively, playful fish that prefers to be in schools.
It 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 Scarlet Barb is a very active fish that may pester or even nip the fins of larger, slower moving fish.
It is best, when trying to breed the Scarlet Barb, to house a number of Barbs in the same aquarium until they pair off. After a pair has developed, the female will lay the eggs and the male will follow behind to fertilize. The fry will be free-swimming after about 5 days. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.
The Scarlet Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetables as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as freeze dried, live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
Ideal tank mates include: Barbs, Gouramis, Swordtails, Mollies, South American Dwarf Cichlids (such as Rams and Apistogrammas), Sharks, Rainbowfish, Plecos, Catfish and Loaches.
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Name: Scarlet Barb (Puntius sp. or Barbus sp.)
Family: Cyprinidae Range: Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo Size: Up to 3 inches Diet: Omnivore Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Plants, rocks, driftwood Tank Conditions: 74-79°F; pH 6.0-7.0; dH 4-10 Minimum Tank Capacity: 30 gallons Light: Low Temperament: Semi-aggressive Swimming Level: No specific level Care Level: Easy Reproduction: Egg Layer |
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