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Barbus nigrofasciatus, Günther, 1868

Origin:Sri Lanka, in the southwestern parts of the Island. Here the fish can be found in densely planted slow flowing creeks.

Etymology: Nigrofasciatus means with black stripes.

Synonyms: Puntius nigrofasciatus(Wendt, 1952)

First European import: Netherlands, 1935.

Description:See pictures.

Care:Larger planted tanks with tempered light(floating plants), enough free swimming space, and soft to medium hard water. pH Neutral to slightly acidic, and temperatures in the lower to middle region(20 degrees in the winter, 24 degrees in summer).Several pairs(males!) should be kept together to bring out the colors in the males. A single male or pair will not make the fish show their color all te time, only when they will start to breed. As the fish occurs in nature in large schools, it's best to keep a group of 6 fish together in a tank, combine this with a dark soil and the fish will become a feast to the eye.

Temperature:20-24 degrees

Feeding: All food is taken.

Size:Up to 6.5cm.

pH: 5.0-7.0

Breeding: Raise the temperature to 26-28 degrees(not higher!), soft acidic water, and large amounts of fine leaved plants in between which the fish will deposit their eggs. The male will display head down for the female, and will then try to get her to go into the plants. If the female is reluctant, the male can get quite aggressiv, so she should be able to hide. If all goes well, the pair will spawn in between the plants, in the higher regions of the tank. Eggs will be deposited on the plants and on the roots of floating plants. Up to 300 eggs are laid, which will hatch in 24 hours. Both parents should be removed immediately after spawning, else no eggs will be left. Often a first spawn will fail, the eggs will still hatch, but the fry won't be viable. After 3-4 weeks the fish can be spawned again if fed well, and usually the second spawn will be succesful. The tiny fry need large amounts of infusoria and other food, and can then grow up to 1cm in the first month.

Sexual dimorphism:Males much more colorful

Prices:Netherlands: 1.5€

Additional:Baensch and Riehl report the fish from mountainous creeks, while Hoedeman reports the fish from the lowlands.

Picture references: Pictures E. Naus.

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