Long-fin form
Desmopuntius pentazona
Origin: Northwestern Borneo, Sarawak, Malaysia. Inhabits peat swamps, blackwater streams, and other slow-moving or still waters characterized by dark, soft, acidic water.
Also known as: Fiveband Barb, Five Bar Barb, Pentazona Barb
Fact sheet
- Size
- 5 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–12 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Very rare selectively bred form with elongated fins, occasionally encountered among enthusiasts. Coloration identical to the standard form.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Five-banded Barb
Body small, up to 5.5 cm. Base coloration golden-orange to peach-amber. Five bold black vertical bars cross the body; the first runs through the eye. Fins are translucent with a faint orange wash. Males are slimmer and more intensely colored than females, especially during breeding.
Care
Shared with the species: Five-banded Barb
Aquarium footprint at least 80 × 30 cm (~72 L). Blackwater biotope decor is ideal: dark substrate, tannin-stained water (Indian almond leaves or peat filtration), driftwood, and sparse planting. Water parameters are critical: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 4.0–7.0 (optimally 5.0–6.5), hardness 1–5 dGH. Keep in groups of 8–10; reduce lighting intensity. Regular water changes are essential.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Five-banded Barb
A micropredator in nature, consuming small insects, worms, and crustaceans. In the aquarium it prefers live and frozen foods — Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworm. Dry foods are accepted reluctantly; regular live food is necessary to maintain color and breeding condition.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Five-banded Barb
A peaceful species suited to a themed blackwater or Southeast Asian aquarium. Good tankmates include other small barbs (D. hexazona), harlequin rasboras, micro rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf gouramis. Do not house with large or territorial fish.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Five-banded Barb
Egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. In mature tanks spontaneous spawning may occur. For controlled breeding, use a dimly lit tank with egg-protection matting or fine-leaved plants; water should be very soft (1–2 dGH) and acidic (pH 5.0–5.5). Eggs hatch in 24–36 h; fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days. First food: infusoria.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Five-banded Barb
The majority of fish sold as 'five-banded barb' are actually the six-banded barb D. hexazona — confirmed by counting the body bars. The peat swamps this species inhabits are among the most acidic aquatic environments on Earth, with pH values sometimes below 4.0. Tannin-stained water in a blackwater setup with driftwood and Catappa leaves visibly intensifies body color and reduces stress in these fish.