Six Banded Barb (Desmopuntius hexazona)

The Six-Banded Barb (Desmopuntius hexazona), also known as the Six-Banded Tiger Barb, is a peaceful, small community fish native to blackwater streams and swamp forests in Southeast Asia. It is an excellent alternative to the more boisterous standard Tiger Barb.

• Adult Size: Up to 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) in total length
• Temperament: Peaceful and social; a shoaling species that should be kept in groups
• Diet: Omnivore
• Habitat: Naturally found in shaded, acidic forest streams and peat swamps in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 Liters (around 20 gallons) is recommended for a small group.
• Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F).
• pH: Prefers soft and slightly acidic water, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (dH up to 12 degrees is suitable).
• Lighting: Prefers subdued or moderate lighting, which can be achieved with floating plants

• Tank Mates: This fish is best kept with other similarly sized, peaceful community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, danios, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid large, aggressive, or overly boisterous species.
• Social Behavior: They are a shoaling species and must be kept in groups of at least six to eight individuals to reduce stress and promote natural behavior.

• Substrate: A fine gravel or sandy substrate is ideal.
• Decor: Provide ample hiding spots and cover using driftwood, rocks, and live plants (e.g., Anubias, Java Fern).
• Environment: They appreciate a setup with leaf litter, which releases beneficial tannins into the water, mimicking their natural environment. Ensure sufficient open swimming space as they are active swimmers.