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Origin: Singapore, Malaysia; Malakka; Indonesia; Borneo.

Etymology: penta means five, zona refers to the vertical bands.

Synonyms: Barbodes pentazona, Puntius pentazona

First import: Germany, 1911, by "Die Vereinte Zierfishzüchtereien".

Description: See pictures

Care: Soft, slightly acidic water, it's best to use peat filtration. Frequent waterchanges are also required, the fish are sensitive to pollution.Some hideouts, drifwood, and a few densely planted zones, but also some free swimming space are necessary for the animals well being. A dark soil, and tempered light(floating plants) will bring out the the coloration in full.

Temperature: 22-26 degrees.

Feeding: Small live and frozen food, the fish usually do not accept flake food.

Size: Up to 5 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: A bit more difficult than for example Barbus conchonius. Soft acidic water, pH around 6 and dGH below 10, and clean water is required. In such a tank a pair should be added. The fish should carefully be selected from the community tank, since not all pairs will mate. The breeding tank should be well planted and if possible receive some sunlight.Raise the temperature to 27 degrees or above. Feed the parents well, sometimes adding very small live food (artemia) will induce spawning. If the fish spawn, the eggs should be protected from the parents. Up to 200 eggs are laid, which will hatch in 1-1.5 days, and be fully free swimming 5 days later. Fry are extremely sensitive to pollution.

Sexual dimorphism:Males more colorful and smaller.

Prices: Netherlands: 2€

Additional: Some subspecies exist, but they are really hard to distinguish.

Picture references: 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)