杂纹无须魮

Overview

Puntigrus partipentazona is a small barred barb that usually fits a carefully selected peaceful community. A dark dorsal marking continuing down onto the body provides a useful distinction from related species.

Distribution & habitat

Records extend across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, in drainages including the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Endau. It typically occupies heavily vegetated river margins and slow streams, but also occurs in natural lakes. Observations suggest an association with waters containing substantial algae and other phytoplankton.

Aquarium setup

Provide a tank measuring at least about 80 × 30 × 30 cm. Furnishings can be chosen fairly freely, though a well-decorated aquarium should bring out its colors. Floating or trailing vegetation and branching wood supply shade and cover; retain space for the group to move together.

Diet & feeding

It probably eats mainly insect larvae and zooplankton while also browsing plant material and organic debris. In captivity, combine suitable quality dry foods with frequent small portions of live or frozen water fleas, brine shrimp and bloodworm.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep no fewer than eight to ten. Its generally peaceful disposition coexists with persistent rivalry between males over females and their places in a loose hierarchy. Choose companions with matching requirements and account for these interactions; peaceful does not mean that members of the group never chase one another.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males are slightly smaller, more slender and more intensely colored than females.

Notes

The dorsal blotch reaches across three or four scale rows on the body, sometimes with another dark mark below it. Many commercially bred “tiger barbs” have uncertain identities, so a trade label is insufficient evidence that a fish belongs to this species.