Sumatran Barb, lat. Puntigrus tetrazona- Puntigrus tetrazona distribution
Family: Cyprinidae;
Genus: Puntigrus (formerly Barbus, Puntius);
Species and synonyms: Sumatran Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona, Barbus tetrazona, Puntius tetrazona, Sumatran Barb, Tiger Barb).
GBIF:
Sumatran Barb (lat. Puntigrus tetrazona) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cypriniformes, family Cyprinidae, genus Puntigrus. One of the most popular and recognizable aquarium fish, known for its bright striped coloration and active behavior.
Distribution. The natural range of the Sumatran Barb covers rivers and streams of Southeast Asia: the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo), as well as Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. The fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate flow, sandy or rocky bottoms, often found in small rivers and streams.
Care requirements. The Sumatran Barb is a schooling fish that grows up to 5–7 cm in the aquarium. To keep a school (minimum 6–8 specimens), an aquarium of at least 80 liters with a length of 60 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in schools, as in a group they display natural behavior and become less aggressive towards tankmates. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–26°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, but species with tough leaves or potted plants are used.
Sumatran Barbs are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, worms, algae and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia). It is important to vary the diet and provide plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables). Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Sumatran Barbs are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are active, playful, but may show aggression towards slow-moving fish and nip at veiltail fins. Recommended tankmates include other barbs, danios, rasboras, small tetras, catfish, labeos. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving fish and with fish with long veiltail fins.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Sumatran Barbs are egg-laying fish, spawning on fine-leaved plants or special spawning substrates. They reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh, soft and slightly acidic water, with a temperature increase to 26–28°C, are recommended. Spawning occurs in the morning hours. Eggs incubate for 1–2 days, fry begin to swim after 3–4 days. Fry are fed infusoria, Artemia nauplii and fine dry food.
The Sumatran Barb gets its name from its characteristic coloration: the body is golden-yellow or orange with four black vertical stripes and red fins. Selective forms include "Green Tiger Barb", "Glofish" (fluorescent) and "Albino". Life expectancy is 5–7 years.