Snakeskin Barb

The snakeskin barb is one of the more desirable barbs of the puntius family, with its unique "snakeskin" body markings. These are schooling fish and should be kept in a group of at least four to keep their stress low. Good filtration for all puntius barbs is a requirement. Otherwise, the fish is hardy, eats flake and small pellet food, and is a good asset to any community fish tank.

Quick Facts

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: Snakeskin barbs show their best markings in soft, slightly acidic water with plants and dim areas to explore.