African Banded Barb - Barbus fasciolatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
African Banded Barbs (Barbus fasciolatus) is a stunning addition to any community tank. These charming and active fish are peaceful and thrive when kept in groups of six or more. When selecting suitable tank mates, it is essential to consider their temperament and ensure they are not semi-aggressive or boisterous, as this can cause stress for the Barbs. While the occasional scuffle may occur as they establish a pecking order, it is not harmful to the fish or other species in the aquarium.
Your aquarium needs to be sufficient in size and allow the weaker individuals some respite from the dominant male by providing broken lines of sight with some decor. In tiny groups, in cramped conditions, or alone, these Barbs can become withdrawn, and the dominant fish may bully the subordinates.
These reticent specimens are reputed to seek refuge within the sheltered embrace of aquatic vegetation during the zenith of daylight hours, reserving their emergence for the early morning and late afternoon periods dedicated to foraging. Replicating these environmental dynamics within the aquarium is paramount, achieved through the incorporation of obscurity-enhancing decor and substantial planting. The presence of floating plant species can serve to effectively diffuse ambient light, aligning with their natural preferences.
Prudent water conditions entail a composition characterized by softness and acidity, with peat filtration offering a valuable approach. Facilitating a gentle water flow is recommended. The inclusion of elements such as bogwood and Indian Almond Leaves can significantly contribute by infusing the water with tannins, fostering additional retreat options while instilling a more authentic ecological ambience. These barbs tend to exhibit their most vibrant hues within water imbued with tannins.
Unlike other Barb species, African Banded Barbs have an elongated olive-orange body with a creamy-yellow stomach. During the breeding season, males' bodies turn a rusty red colour, and they display 10-15 thin blueish-black bars, with the second or third bar being egg-shaped and the last bar forming a spot at the caudal peduncle.
African Banded Barb Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female African Banded Barbs is a straightforward task. During the spawning period, males exhibit vibrant and intense colours compared to their female counterparts. Males also have smaller body sizes in comparison to females. Conversely, females have a larger body size, with rounder stomachs and are relatively less colourful than males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Barbus fasciolatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1868 |
| Other Names | Fire Barb, Angola Barb, Blue-barred Barb |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Barbus |
| Origins | Namibia , Zimbabwe , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Botswana , Angola , Zambia |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| TDS | 18 -215 |
| ℉ | 71 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
African Banded Barbs are indigenous to some of the most stunning and exotic rivers in Africa, including the Zambezi, Okavango, and Congo Rivers. Their natural habitats are characterized by slow-flowing waters with high oxygen content, abundant vegetation, and dark brownish colouration due to the presence of decaying organic materials, chemicals, and humic acids. In the wild, these fish are known to thrive in habitats with a lot of structure, such as overhanging vegetation, sunken logs, and rocks. They are also known to seek out areas with low currents and deep pools to rest and feed.
Breeding
In order to increase the yield of African Banded Barb fry, a more controlled approach is necessary, although they may appear in a well-planted aquarium without human intervention. To create an ideal spawning environment, set up a separate tank with soft acidic water that has a slightly higher temperature than usual. The tank should contain a mix of floating plants to provide cover and diffuse light, as well as spawning mediums such as java moss or spawning mops on the base of the aquarium. Substrate is unnecessary, but an air-powered filter is recommended.
To ensure successful breeding, condition the adults in a separate tank by feeding them a diet rich in live and frozen foods. Once the females are plump, select the most colourful male and the fattest female and place them in the spawning tank. If the pair does not spawn immediately, leave them in the tank for a few extra days before choosing a different pair.
Once the pair has successfully spawned and laid their eggs, it is crucial to remove the parents to prevent them from consuming the eggs. The spawning tank can now be used as a rearing tank for the babies. The fry will hatch within 48 hours and become free-swimming around a week later. As the fry grows, they will require infusoria as their first food and gradually move onto nauplii, microworm, and artemia.
Diet & Feeding
The African Banded Barb is a versatile omnivore, which makes feeding it in captivity relatively simple. It will accept a variety of foods, including dried pellets, flakes, freeze-dried, and frozen options such as bloodworms, daphnia, and artemia. In addition, providing infrequent meals of vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or dried products with a vegetable content, can help diversify its diet and promote good health.
Frequently asked questions
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