金长须 · Striped Flying Barb

Overview

The dark side stripe of Esomus metallicus intensifies toward the tail and ends at its base, while the fins remain unmarked. It is a capable jumper with socially ranked group behavior and variable reports of fin nipping.

Distribution & habitat

Native records extend from the Salween through Thailand to the Mekong region and northern Peninsular Malaysia. Populations in Singapore and Borneo are introduced. Shallow flooded land is used during the wet season, followed by a return to permanent water as flooding recedes.

Aquarium setup

Plants, dark substrate and overhead shade help create a settled display. Gentle circulation is sufficient, but established biological filtration is important. Avoid introducing it to a newly set-up aquarium, and close small lid or equipment gaps as carefully as large openings.

Diet & feeding

A mixed invertebrate diet is taken naturally. Supplement suitable dry food with small live or frozen prey, including water fleas, brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain eight or more to spread social interactions across a proper group. Small groups may expose weaker fish to sustained harassment. Community success varies, with fin nipping more likely around slow or long-finned fishes and when conspecific numbers are inadequate.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males tend to be narrower-bodied and a little smaller than females.

Breeding

Hormonal induction has been achieved experimentally. Ordinary captive spawning remains uncertain, so the experimental result does not establish a routine aquarium method.

Notes

An unresolved wasting syndrome has been observed in the genus, beginning behind the gills and sometimes progressing rapidly. These reports do not establish a particular pathogen or a dependable treatment.