African Banded Barb

fish description – African Banded Barb Care Guide ($Enteromius\ fasciolatus$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Enteromius\ fasciolatus$ (formerly $Barbus\ fasciolatus$)
Common Name	African Banded Barb, Fire Barb, Blue-Barred Barb
Origin	River systems of Central/Southern Africa (Zambezi, Congo Basin, Angola, Zambia)
Adult Size	2–2.6 inches (5–6.5 cm)
Temperament	Peaceful, active, mid-level schooling fish
Lifespan	3–5 years
Care Level	Easy

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: This small, slender barb has a body that ranges from golden-yellow to a rich red/orange, marked by 8-12 thin black or iridescent blue-black vertical bands. Males are particularly vivid during courtship.
• Coloration: The body features distinct thin, dark vertical stripes (bands) running from the back down to the belly. Males develop a more intense, sometimes brick-red, body coloration and clearer, often iridescent blue-black bands, especially during display. Females are fuller-bodied and more subdued.
• Fins: Clear and proportional.
• Behavior: A relatively shy and peaceful shoaling fish that should be kept in large numbers. They are most active in the middle and upper water columns. Males may show mild antagonism towards each other, which is managed well in a large group with plenty of cover.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons is the minimum for a group of 6–8 fish. A 30-gallon tank or larger is better for a larger, calmer school and more stable water conditions. A lid is required as they are known to jump.
• Schooling: Should be kept in schools of at least 8–10 individuals. Keeping a large school reduces shyness and prevents the mild fin-nipping behavior sometimes seen when kept in small numbers.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $72^\circ$–$78^\circ\text{F}\ (22^\circ$–$26^\circ\text{C})$.
• pH Level: Soft, acidic water is highly preferred: 5.5 to 6.8. They thrive in blackwater conditions (low $\text{pH}$, tannins) and require high water quality and oxygenation.
• Aquascape: Replicate a heavily vegetated, low-light environment. Use a dark substrate, dense background and side planting, and incorporate driftwood and Indian Almond Leaves to introduce tannins and subdue the lighting. Ensure open swimming space is available in the middle.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The African Banded Barb is an omnivore/micropredator, readily accepting various small foods.

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or micro-pellets that they can easily consume from the mid-water.
• Supplementation: A varied diet rich in both protein and vegetable matter is essential for optimal coloration. Offer live or frozen foods such as Bloodworms (enhances red color), Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, and supplement with spirulina or vegetable flakes.
• Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. They are mid-level feeders, so ensure the food is accessible before it sinks.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Should not be housed with very delicate, slow-moving, or long-finned fish, as they may occasionally nip fins if not kept in a large enough group.
• Good Tank Mates: Other peaceful, active, similarly sized fish that appreciate softer water. Examples include Tetras (Congo, Rummy Nose, Neon), Rasboras, Dwarf Cichlids (e.g., Pelvicachromis or Apistogramma), and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish.