Johorensis Barb

Puntius johorensis (in the broad sense used for some traded South Asian forms) is a small, neatly striped barb found in lowland rivers and streams across Sri Lanka and parts of southern India. Its silver-gold body carries one or two well-defined dark lateral stripes running from the eye to the caudal fin, giving it a clean, attractive appearance. Males develop a subtle pinkish-orange tinge during breeding season.

This is among the most unfussy of South Asian barbs. It accepts a wide range of water conditions, eats virtually any aquarium food, and remains completely peaceful with all tankmates regardless of fin length. Its manageable size and energetic schooling make it particularly popular for Asian biotope community displays.

In a species tank or breeding setup, pairs scatter eggs over fine-leaved vegetation. Incubation is rapid at warmer temperatures, and fry are easy to raise on commercial micro-powders from hatching.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; very tolerant of conditions. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with open swimming area; any substrate suitable. Feeding: Omnivore; accepts flake, pellet, live/frozen foods eagerly. Breeding: Easy egg-scatter over plants; fry straightforward to raise. Compatibility: Ideal community fish; completely non-aggressive, even with long-finned species.