African Banded Barb
Barbus fasciolatus
African Banded Barb is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with African Banded Barb?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle to top swimmer
- Temperature
- 68–79°F (20–26°C)
- pH
- 5–6.5
- GH
- 1–12 dGH
- KH
- 2–10 dKH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a loose group of 8+
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 5–6.5, GH 1–12 dGH, KH 2–10 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
African Banded Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
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.
Feeding
As an omnivore, African Banded Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Offer small live/frozen invertebrates plus quality dry food and some vegetable matter; provide food access for subdominant fish.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
- Make room for its social group.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Keep in a loose group of 8+.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does African Banded Barb get?
African Banded Barb reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).
What aquarium size does African Banded Barb need?
Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
Is African Banded Barb peaceful?
Yes. African Banded 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 African Banded Barb?
Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.
Should African Banded Barb be kept alone or in a group?
African Banded Barb: Keep in a loose group of 8+.
