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Freshwater fishPenta Barb
Penta Barb
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Five-banded barbs, or Penta Barbs, or Hexazon Barbs, are members of the Puntius family, and these barbs are peaceful and suitable for planted and peaceful fish tanks. These are schooling fish, and AquariumFish.com recommends a school of at least four to keep these guys happy. Obviously one of the Puntius family, this species is distinguished by five vertical black bands.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Desmopuntius pentazona |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo) |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful, a bit shy |
| Adult Size | Up to 2" |
| Lifespan | 5–6 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Water Temperature | 73–81°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them a well-planted tank with a filter, a heater and some dim, sheltered areas. They do best in soft, slightly acidic water.
Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Keep them with other peaceful fish such as rasboras, tetras, gouramis and corydoras. Avoid large or boisterous fish that can outcompete them.
Good to know: Penta barbs prefer soft, slightly acidic water and a well-planted tank. They are calmer and more colorful in a group.
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