Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Rhombo Barb, also known as the Snakeskin Barb, are endemic to Borneo but wild specimens are rare as great numbers are produced through commercial aquaculture practices. There are some noticeable differences between sexes, as males will be slimmer and exhibit slightly brighter coloration compared to females. This species looks similar to the Pentazona Barb (Desmopuntius hexazona), however the Pentazona barb has complete black stripes whereas the black markings on the Rhombo barb are ocellated in shape (i.e., eye-like). Despite “barb” in their name, Rhombo barbs are rather timid and peaceful compared to the boisterous barb species we think of (e.g., Puntius tetrazona [Tiger Barb, Green Tiger Barb], P. padamya [Odessa Barb]). Rhombo barbs are natural shoaling fish, requiring at least 8 to 10 individuals to avoid skittishness and show their best coloration. This group should be comprised of a mixed sex ratio, and males will occasionally flare up at one another to gain the attention of females. An adult Rhombo barb can reach a size of approximately 2″.

Diet Requirements: Rhombo barbs are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to more frequently offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Some emphasis should be put on offering ample plant or algal based foods for this species. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 20 to 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Rhombo barbs. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 20 ppm), as this species is sensitive to high nitrates. Given the environments in which they come from, Rhombo barbs prefer gentle water flow. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a darker substrate, dense vegetation (live plants are preferred) and branches. Rhombo barbs are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for traditional community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species. Mix Rhombo barbs with fish that have a similar temperament, including other docile barb or tetra species, and such tank mates will also encourage more outgoing behavior of your Rhombo barbs. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-10, pH 4.0-7.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.