Soft and acidic. pH: 5.5-7.0, dH: up to 12 degrees. Peat filtration recommended.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
Dim, but can be brighter if diffused by floating plants.
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females likely to appear fuller bodied.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
This rarely imported gem originates from Indonesian blackwaters, and does not fare well in harder water. Rhombo Barbs make a spectacular addition to softwater planted aquaria, where they will move through the shadier areas in their large shoals (6 specimens should be considered the minimum, 10+ is better). Excellent water quality is a must when maintaining this species as any deterioration in conditions could very easily lead to the onset of velvet or whitespot - diseases which these fish are prone to in less-than-ideal conditions. Rhombo Barbs are quite shy, and although they may bicker amongst themselves from time to time, they are peaceful with other short-finned fish species. They should only be housed with fishes of a similar size and nature that enjoy the same water conditions. May also be seen on sale as the Red Ocellated Barb or Rhombic Barb.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Reports of aquarium spawnings are few and far between. It is highly likely that they will require very soft acidic water (peat filtration recommended) and it is suggested to follow the guidelines for breeding D. pentazona.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
