Melon Barb

Haludaria fasciata

Melon Barb is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Melon Barb?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 6 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Melon Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Melon Barb get?

Melon Barb reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Melon Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Melon Barb peaceful?

Yes. Melon 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 Melon Barb?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Melon Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Melon Barb: Keep in a loose group of 8+.