Edit Desmopuntius hexazona
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Name
Scientific name
Desmopuntius hexazona
Described by
Authority Weber & de Beaufort, Year 1912, Bracketed
Family
Cyprinidae
Common names
'Pentazona' Barb
Photograph credits
All 8 credited
Summary
Normally traded as the 'pentazona' barb, Desmopuntius hexazona is a cyprinid from southern Borneo, eastern Sumatra, Singapore and the Malay…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
55mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 80 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–26°C, pH 4–7
Hardness
1–5dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Kampar, Kapuas
Writing
Etymology
Desmopuntius: from the Ancient Greek δεσμψτης (desmotes), meaning 'prisoner', and the generic name Puntius, in reference to the barred colour pattern in member…
Distribution
Native to parts of southern Borneo, eastern Sumatra, Singapore, and the Malay Peninsula. In Singapore it's considered highly-endangered and is now restricted t…
Habitat
Most often inhabits peat swamps and associated black water streams as well as other still waters, often in areas with submerged grasses or aquatic plants and d…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of at least 80 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are required.
Maintenance
Will thrive in a heavily-planted or forest stream-type set-up, the latter comprising a soft substrate, dim lighting, roots, branches and leaf litter. You could…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Primarily a micropredator feeding on small insects, worms, crustaceans and other zooplankton in nature. In the aquarium it will accept dried foods of a suitabl…
Behaviour and compatibility
An ideal addition to a peaceful community of Southeast Asian fishes with comparably-sized, open water-dwelling cyprinids, small loaches, and certain anabantoid…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males tend to be slightly smaller, are noticeably slimmer and exhibit more intense colouration than females.
Reproduction
Like most small cyprinids Desmopuntius spp. are egg-scattering free spawners exhibiting no parental care. When in good condition they will spawn often and in a…
Notes
This species is a popular aquarium fish but normally traded as the similar-looking congener D. pentazona with vernacular names including 'pentazona barb' and '…
References
References
8 on this profile