The Barbus (Barbodes) pentazona, commonly known as the Five-Banded Barb, is a small, beautifully patterned freshwater fish admired for its calm nature and social behavior. It is native to the slow-moving, vegetation-rich waters of Borneo and Sumatra, where it thrives in soft, slightly acidic conditions.

🌿 Appearance and Behavior

This species displays a golden-orange body adorned with five distinct black vertical stripes, giving it a striking contrast that makes it stand out in planted aquariums. Males are generally more colorful, especially during breeding, while females tend to be rounder.
Barbodes pentazona is a schooling fish, best kept in groups of at least six or more to ensure natural behavior and reduce stress.

⚖️ Tank Setup and Conditions

A well-planted tank with gentle filtration, driftwood, and leaf litter will recreate its natural habitat. Provide plenty of open swimming space. Regular water changes and good filtration help maintain optimal health and color vibrancy.

🍽️ Diet

An omnivorous feeder, it readily accepts a wide range of foods. Offer high-quality flakes or micro pellets as a staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms for enhanced coloration and vitality.

🤝 Tankmates

The Five-Banded Barb is non-aggressive, making it suitable for community tanks with other peaceful species like rasboras, tetras, gouramis, and corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or overly active species.

💡 Care Tips for Beginners

• Maintain stable water parameters and moderate lighting.

• Keep a tight lid, as barbs may jump.

• Regular feeding with varied foods promotes health and color.

• Monitor water quality, as they are sensitive to pollutants.