Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Puntius lineatus, better known as Striped Barb, is an Asian freshwater species distributed in Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in swamps, submerged grasses and in clear, black waters.
PH: 6.0 – 6.5
Temperature: 23°C – 26C (73 – 79F)
Hardness: 10 – 14 dH
Description: Puntius lineatus can reach a length of around 5 – 6 cm. Adult females have thicker bodies, while males have more obvious markings on their bodies.
Diet: Puntius lineatus, an omnivorous species, will eat most foods, but has a definite preference for live food. It enjoys worms, insects, plant matter, crustaceans in the wild, but will also take quality flakes and granules in an aquarium environment.
Breeding: This egg-scattering species has very similar breeding requirements to Puntius lateristriga. It can be spawned in a group or in pairs. You should condition the adults with live foods and move a male and a female to a separate, dimly lit breeding tank if choosing to spawn in pairs. It might be a good idea to cover the base of the tank with mesh; the eggs will fall through the mesh and therefore cannibalisation can be avoided. Another option is to put Java moss plants or spawning mops in your tank to give the fish a spot to deposit the eggs. The fry will probably hatch in 24 – 48 hours and the fry, which will be free swimming 24 hours later, can be fed on Infusoria before moving on to microworm or nauplii.
Comments: You should tank a small group of Puntius lineatus in at least a 70 litre tank. Puntius lateristriga will need a well-oxygenated tank, dim lighting, bogwood, roots and surface vegetation to simulate its natural environment. Include a gravel or sand substrate so you can see this species’ bright colours properly. This species is suitable for newcomers to the hobby.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: The Striped Barb is a schooling species that should be kept in groups of at least 8 – 10. Do not house it with larger, aggressive species; it can be kept with other Puntius fish, Rasboras, loaches, Gouramis and some members of the Trichogaster species.
Originally posted 2010-01-21 11:23:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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