Striped Barb

Desmopuntius johorensis

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

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

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
pH: 5–7
GH: 1–10 dGH
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: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 5–7, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Regular small live/frozen foods plus fine dry feeds containing some plant/algal material.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Singapore.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Striped Barb get?

Striped Barb reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Striped Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Striped Barb peaceful?

Yes. Striped 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 Striped Barb?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.

Should Striped Barb be kept alone or in a group?

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