Spanner Barb

Striuntius lateristriga

Spanner Barb is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Spanner Barb?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Spanner 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, Spanner Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Singapore.

Similar fish profiles

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

Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°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) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Spanner Barb get?

Spanner Barb reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Spanner Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.

Is Spanner Barb peaceful?

Yes. Spanner 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 Spanner Barb?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.