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Dawkinsia Assimilis, or Mascara Barb, is a vibrant, peaceful schooling fish ideal for planted aquariums. Easy to care for, it thrives in well-oxygenated waters.

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Dawkinsia Assimilis (Mascara Barb) – The Perfect Addition to a Lively Aquarium

Dawkinsia Assimilis, commonly known as the Mascara Barb, is a stunning freshwater fish admired for its distinctive markings and active nature. Native to the rivers of India, this species is a great addition to community tanks, offering both beauty and peaceful behavior. Below is everything you need to know about caring for this elegant fish in your home aquarium.

Appearance and Behavior

✔ Striking Look – The Mascara Barb features a sleek silver body with black markings near its eyes, resembling mascara, and subtle red or orange hues on its fins.
✔ Active Swimmers – These fish are highly energetic and prefer swimming in the middle and upper levels of the tank.
✔ Schooling Nature – Best kept in groups of at least 6 or more, as they are social fish that thrive in a community.
✔ Peaceful Temperament – Non-aggressive and compatible with many other species, making them perfect for a community aquarium.

Ideal Tank Conditions

To ensure a healthy and stress-free environment, it’s essential to replicate their natural habitat.

✔ Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a small school, but a larger tank (50+ gallons) is ideal for a thriving group.
✔ Water Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F) – Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for their well-being.
✔ pH Level: 6.0 - 7.5 – Slightly acidic to neutral water is preferred.
✔ Water Hardness: 5-15 dGH – They adapt to a range of water conditions but prefer soft to moderately hard water.
✔ Filtration & Oxygenation: A high-quality filter with good water flow is recommended, as these fish come from well-oxygenated rivers.
✔ Substrate & Decorations: They enjoy a natural-looking tank with fine sand or gravel, driftwood, and aquatic plants for shade and shelter.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Being a peaceful schooling fish, the Mascara Barb is compatible with many community fish species.

✅ Best Tank Mates:

• Other peaceful barbs (e.g., Rosy Barbs, Filament Barbs)
• Tetras (e.g., Rummy Nose, Cardinal, Ember)
• Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin, Scissortail)
• Gouramis (e.g., Pearl, Honey)
• Corydoras Catfish (great bottom dwellers)
• Loaches (e.g., Kuhli Loach)

❌ Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish, such as large cichlids, bettas, or tiger barbs.

Diet & Feeding Habits

Dawkinsia Assimilis are omnivores, meaning they require a well-balanced diet.

✔ Staple Diet: High-quality pellets or flakes designed for tropical fish.
✔ Protein-Rich Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia (live or frozen) to enhance their colors.
✔ Vegetation & Fiber: They also enjoy blanched spinach, zucchini, and algae wafers for fiber and digestion.
✔ Feeding Frequency: Twice a day – only feed what they can consume in 2-3 minutes to prevent waste buildup.

General Care & Maintenance

Maintaining a clean and stable environment is key to keeping your Mascara Barb happy and healthy.

✔ Regular Water Changes: Perform 20-30% water changes weekly to keep ammonia and nitrate levels in check.
✔ Good Filtration: Ensure a strong, but not overly turbulent, water flow to replicate their natural river habitat.
✔ Tank Cover: These fish are active jumpers, so having a secure lid is recommended.
✔ Disease Prevention: Keep an eye out for common fish diseases like Ich (white spots) and fungal infections. Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the tank.

Why Choose Dawkinsia Assimilis for Your Aquarium?

✔ Visually Stunning – Their elegant colors and sleek body shape make them a centerpiece in any tank.
✔ Peaceful & Community-Friendly – Ideal for both beginner and experienced fish keepers.
✔ Hardy & Adaptable – Can tolerate a variety of water conditions with proper care.
✔ Engaging & Lively – Their active swimming and schooling behavior make for a dynamic aquarium display.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a vibrant, peaceful, and easy-to-care-for fish, Dawkinsia Assimilis is a fantastic choice. With proper care, a well-maintained environment, and the right tank mates, these stunning fish will thrive and bring life to your aquarium for years to come.