Pentazona Barb

Barbodes pentazona (sometimes called the Fiveband Barb) inhabits slow-moving, tannin-rich peat swamp streams in Malaysia, Borneo, and parts of Indonesia. It is a small, deep-bodied barb with a warm amber body bearing five distinct black vertical bands. It prefers soft, acidic, warmwater conditions and is best kept in a biotope-style setup with leaf litter, dark substrate, and tannin-stained water. A peaceful and somewhat shy species that shows best in large groups.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft water (GH 3–10); peat filtration or Indian almond leaves ideal. Tank: 80 L minimum; blackwater biotope with leaf litter, dark substrate, and dim lighting. Feeding: Omnivore; small flake, micro-pellets, frozen daphnia, and brine shrimp nauplii. Behaviour: Peaceful and slightly shy; keep in groups of 8+; gains confidence in numbers. Compatibility: Ideal soft-water community fish; pairs with small rasboras, micro tetras, and corydoras.