三带无须魮

Overview

The pattern of Desmopuntius trifasciatus changes markedly as it grows. Juvenile bars give way to longitudinal stripes, with the middle stripe usually the broadest. A difference between young and older fish is therefore not, by itself, evidence of different species.

Distribution & habitat

Known from Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo, it was described from the Danau Sentarum lakes of the Kapuas drainage. Other populations occur in several Kalimantan systems and southern Sarawak. Quiet peat swamps and blackwater channels provide submerged vegetation, dense bankside cover, leaf deposits and drowned roots.

Aquarium setup

Use dense planting or a shaded forest-stream arrangement. Soft substrate, wood, branches and leaves provide structure; plants should be selected for tolerance of low light.

Diet & feeding

Algae, diatoms, organic debris and various small invertebrates probably contribute to wild feeding. Captive fish readily take a varied menu. Supplement good flakes or granules with small live or frozen foods, and include some prepared food containing plant or algal ingredients.

Behaviour & compatibility

A peaceful Southeast Asian community can include compatible, similarly sized cyprinids, loaches and appropriate anabantoids. Keep eight to ten or more conspecifics. A proper group improves confidence and encourages colorful displays between males competing for females.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males generally remain a little smaller and slimmer, with stronger coloration.

Notes

Larger specimens usually show three or four broad side stripes and have two pairs of barbels. The four dark juvenile bars gradually change into this adult pattern. Since related species can undergo similar changes, age and additional identifying features need to be considered together.