Red Striped Barb

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Puntius vittatus
• Common Name: Red Striped Barb
• Adult Size: 6–8 cm (2.5–3 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 4–6 years
• Habitat: Native to slow-moving streams, rivers, and ponds in South and Southeast Asia, often among vegetation and leaf litter.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
  Recommended to keep in groups of 6 or more as they are schooling fish.
• Ideal Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
• pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: 4 to 15 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful and active, ideal for community tanks
  They can be slightly nippy if kept in too-small groups.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous
Will readily accept:

• High-quality flake or micro-pellets
• Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg scatterers
• Separate breeding tank recommended with fine-leaved plants or spawning mop
• Spawning occurs in early morning
• Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation
• Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours

Appearance

Distinctive Features:

• Slender body with a horizontal red or orange stripe running along the sides
• Silvery or golden background coloration
• Transparent fins with slight reddish hue

• Males are usually more colorful and slimmer than females