Hexazon Barb (Puntius pentazona)

The Hexazon Barb, also known as the Five Banded Barb, is a golden color with six black bars running vertically on each side of the body.

The Hexazon Barb prefers a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Hexazon Barb is a schooling fish and will do best in a small group of 5 or more individuals. If given a large enough school, they will typically not bother any other fish in the aquarium.

It is best when trying to breed the Hexazon Barb to provide coarse gravel in the breeding tank and after the eggs have been laid, remove the parents. In most cases, 200 eggs will hatch after a little over one full day, and the fry should be fed baby brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.

The Hexazon Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetable-based as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"

Care details

• Temperature: 74 - 79° F
• dKH: 4 - 10
• Color: Orange, White, Black and Yellow
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Diet: Omnivore