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Barbus lateristriga, Valenciennes, 1842

Origin:Widespread in South-East Asia. Barbus lateristriga occurs predominantly in clear streams and rivers.

Etymology: lateristriga refers to the typical stripes on the side of the animals

Synonyms: Barbus zelleri, Ahl, Systomus lateristriga.

First European import: Germany, 1914, by J. Wolmer.

Description: see pictures, older fish have fewer stripes.

Care: Not suitable for the community tank. The fish will grow up to 18 cm, regardles of the tank size. Large well filtered tanks with soft, slightly acidic water are required. Juveniles live in school, but older fish lead a more solitary life. If the fish are scared, they will try to hide in the substrate. Therefore no gravel but rather a peat layer should be used as a substrate. The tank should be well filtered, the fish eat large amounts of food, and pollute a lot. Smaller fish are also eaten, as well as softer plants. Despite the attractive appearance of juvenile Barbus lateristriga, the fish shouldn't be purchased.

Temperature:25-28 degrees.

Feeding: Omnivorous, see also care.

Size: Up to 18 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Larger tanks, higher temperatures. water as described in the care section. Frequent large waterchanges will induce group spawning, each female will lay several hundred eggs that will stick to a substrate. After spawning occurred, the parents should be removed or else the eggs will be eaten. The fry will hatch after two days, and should be fed large amounts of infusoria in the biginning.

Sexual dimorphism:Barbus lateristriga males have a reddisch dorsal fin, and are thinner.

Prices: Unk

Additional: Occasionally available, but best left alone.

Picture references:All pictures E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)

Comment Rudolf Suttner: The fish in the pictures are B. johorensis