Tips on Keeping and Feeding Sumatra Barbs
The Sumatra barb, also known as tiger barb, is a freshwater fish from Southeast Asia that is very popular as an aquarium fish. Sumatra barbs score with their attractive appearance and also prove to be extremely easy-care aquarium inhabitants, which makes the fish a good choice even for beginners.
Sumatra Barb Profile
- Scientific name: Puntigrus cf. tetrazona
- Origin: Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Indonesia)
- Size: 5 - 7 cm (2 – 2.8 inches)
- Life Span: up to 7 years
- Aquarium minimum size: 100 litres
- Recommended water temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 – 78.8 °F)
- Diet: omnivorous
Characteristics of the Sumatra Barb
Female Sumatra barbs can grow up to seven centimetres, while male specimens are usually significantly smaller and reach only up to five centimetres. The Sumatra barb is a high-backed fish with significantly flattened sides. The basic colour of the scales, which cover the entire body except for the head, is beige in varying tones.
The four dark, vertical stripes give the Sumatra barb their characteristic appearance. The first of these runs over their eyes and the last of the stripes is at the base of their caudal fin. On most fish the stripes are black. In some specimens, however, they can also have a metallic green sheen.
The red colour, which can occur in particular on the pectoral fins and in part also on the pelvic and caudal fins of the Sumatra barb, provides additional coloured accents.
Life Expectancy of Sumatra Barbs
If Sumatra barbs are kept well and fed appropriately, they can reach an age of up to seven years.
Origin of Sumatra Barbs
Although its name suggests otherwise, the Sumatra barb does not originate in Sumatra. Their exact origin has not been fully clarified. Wildlife stocks can be found in southern Malaysia and Singapore. Other populations in Asia are believed to be descendants of farmed fish.
Keeping Sumatra Barbs
Sumatra barbs have been kept as aquarium fish for many decades and are one of the most popular and widespread ornamental fish species worldwide. They have been bred into different forms with various colours, including the so-called moss barb.
Sumatra barbs are uncomplicated and easy to keep aquarium inhabitants that are suitable even for inexperienced aquarists. The aquarium should have a minimum volume of 100 litres. The water temperature should be between 22 and 26 ° C and the pH level should be 6 to 8.
Setting up a Fish Tank for Sumatra Barbs
When setting up the aquarium, care should be taken to ensure that it replicates the natural living conditions of the Sumatra barb. On one hand, the lively fish need sufficient space to swim. On the other hand, there should also be areas with dense vegetation so that the animals can withdraw if necessary.
In addition, it is important to ensure that the water is sufficiently filtered so that the water quality remains high. Sumatra barbs also love a slight current in their tank.
Socialising Sumatra Barbs
Sumatran barbs should not be kept on their own. For the fish to feel comfortable and show their natural behaviour, it is advisable to have a group of no less than 10 animals.
Sumatra barbs can be socialized with other species such as barbs and danios. Slow swimmers, on the other hand, are not suitable as tank mates for these lively fish. This also applies to species with very large fins or threads on their pelvic fins, such as angelfish or guppies, as it is to be expected that the Sumatran barbs will nibble on their fins.
Breeding Sumatra Barbs
Sumatra barbs are free spawners, and if the water quality is good, they can easily be bred. For his purpose, a pair that has previously been adequately fed needs to be placed in a separate breeding tank. This should be densely stocked with delicate aquatic plants on which the female can spawn. In addition, a layer of floating plants to dim the light the tank is advisable.
After spawning, the parents should be returned to the regular aquarium as soon as possible, otherwise they will eat their offspring. It takes between two and three days for the fish larvae to hatch. After about six days, the small fish finally swim free and can initially be fed with powdered food.
Sumatra Barb Diseases
Although Sumatra barbs are generally quite robust aquarium fish, they can nevertheless suffer from various fish diseases. This is especially true if the water quality is not optimal or the fish population is too large for the size of the tank.
One of the possible diseases that can occur in Sumatra barbs is ascites. Apart from that, there is the chance of an infestation with parasites. Depending on the disease, it often makes sense to isolate affected Sumatra barbs in a quarantine tank so that the other inhabitants of the aquarium are not infected as well.
Sumatra Barb Diet
Sumatra barbs are omnivores. Appropriate feeding makes a decisive contribution to the health and resilience of the fish. A high-quality fish food in the form of granules or flakes is a good choice for feeding Sumatra barbs. In addition, frozen or live food can be made available from time to time, which the fish gladly accept.
Aquaris Fish Food for Sumatra Barbs
With fish food from Aquaris you have made the right choice when it comes to feeding your Sumatra barbs. In our range you will find among others Aquaris Flakes and Aquaris Tropical Granulate, both high-quality food for the care of your aquarium fish.
Aquaris products are characterised by high-quality raw materials and carefully developed recipes. You can therefore rest assured that your Sumatra barbs are receiving all of the nutrients they need. In addition, the food is wholesome and easy to digest. The latter ensures that the water in the aquarium is not unnecessarily polluted by the excretions of your fish.