Mascara Barb

Dawkinsia assimilis

Mascara Barb is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in)
Aquarium size
243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
18–27 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–15 dGH
KH
1–10 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–27 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–15 dGH, KH 1–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Mascara Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Mascara Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 8+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 18–22 °C Bengal Danio Devario devario Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 15–26 °C Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 15–21 °C Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 20–26 °C Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 18–26 °C Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.5 cm (≤ 1.8 in) 22–25 °C

FAQ

How large does Mascara Barb get?

Mascara Barb reaches ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in).

What aquarium size does Mascara Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Mascara Barb peaceful?

Yes. Mascara Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Mascara Barb?

Keep it between 18 to 27 °C.

Should Mascara Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Mascara Barb: Keep in a school of 8+.

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