Care
The Clown Barb is an active, medium-sized species, which should be housed in aquaria 4ft long or more. They should be maintained in shoals of 6 or more fish, and kept with similar sized tankmates. They make great companions for some of the medium-large sized Botiid loaches. The aquarium must receive frequent partial water changes as this species is sensitive to the build up of pollutants. The water should also be well-oxygenated in order for these fish to thrive, particularly if you plan on maintaining them at the higher end of their preferred temperature range. Clown Barbs will eat soft-leaved plants, so it is best to choose the more robust species to plant the sides and back of the aquarium with, e.g. Anubias sp, Java fern etc. An open swimming space should be left in the centre of the aquarium. Sadly, the beautiful Clown Barb is becoming quite a rarity in the aquatics trade these days, and so you may find this species a little more difficult to come by.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellet foods, lettuce, spinach, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc. Will nibble on soft-leaved plants.
Breeding
A separate aquarium should be used for spawning this species. The aquarium should ideally be long, but shallow and contain soft, slightly acidic water. It is a good idea to use a substrate of marbles with generous clumps of Java moss and other fine leaved plants scattered about the aquarium. Your chosen pair should be bought into condition with plenty of frozen foods and then acclimatised across to the breeding aquarium. Spawning normally begins when the first rays of morning sunshine hit the aquarium glass, where between 500 and 2000 eggs may be scattered. Spawning is an active affair, and the hungry parents should be removed as soon as spawning has ceased in order to prevent predation on the eggs. The eggs should hatch within 24-36 hours and the fry will become free-swimming several days later, when they can be offered infusoria. The fry are extremely sensitive to pollutants and changes in water chemistry and temperature, so ensure that you carry out frequent partial water changes with the utmost of care.
