Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Puntius asoka, commonly known as Asoka Barb, is an Sri Lankan freshwater species found in the Sitawaka River and its tributaries, and in Kelani. It is distributed in deepish, fast-flowing water, usually in areas with gravel-sand substrates.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 25°C – 30C (77 – 86F)
Hardness: 1 – 18 dH
Description: Puntius asoka can reach a maximum length of 17 cm; its common length is around the 10 cm mark. This species is becoming very rare due to over-fishing; it is very restricted in its distribution. As a result it is not very common in the aquarium hobby.
Diet: Puntius species are omnivorous and feed upon small invertebrates and plant matter in the wild. Puntius asoka could be fed a staple of dried foods and flake, with the occasional live-food source thrown in.
Breeding: There is not a great deal of information on the breeding habits of Asoka Barbs. All Puntius species are egg scatterers and do not display any parental care; if you notice eggs scattered inside your tank you should remove the adults immediately to give the young a chance of survival.
Comments: You should tank this species in a medium-sized tank of around 55 gallons. Add plenty of vegetation to your tank, along with plenty of swimming space, and be strict with your water parameters. Provide rocks and broad-leaved plants for spawning sites if you are considering breeding this species. Puntius asoka is rarely seen within the hobby and is suitable for those hobbyists with some experience.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: There is not much information in terms of compatible species, but you should house Puntius asoka with fish of a similar-size and peaceful demeanour. It would also suit a one-species tank.
Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:11:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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