Care
Snyder's Barbs are a rare import from northern and central Taiwan. They superficially resemble the wild form of the Chinese Barb (
P. semifasciolatus) but there are one or two small differences:
P. snyderi have a pair of minuscule, maxillary barbels (which are sometimes very rudimentary or not even present at all), whereas those of
P. semifasciolatus are much more prominent.
P. snyderi also typically has 4-5 dark vertical markings along the midline of the body, whereas
P. semifasciolatus has 7-9 of these. Snyder's Barbs are a peaceful and relatively hardy species, which should be maintained in groups of 6 or more due to their shoaling nature. A larger group will not only make the fish feel more secure, but will also result in a more natural, effective looking shoal. Larger numbers should ensure a mix of both sexes, with rival males displaying intense red colouration on the lower half of the body when ready to spawn, making for quite the spectacle. Ideally the aquarium will be planted at the back and sides, along with a few tangles of driftwood, and an open swimming area provided in the centre. These barbs will nibble at fine-leaved and soft-leaved plants, so choose plant species that are more robust, or else those that grow quickly. Filtration should be efficient, with areas of moderate water movement and a decent level of oxygenation. This species prefers temperatures at the lower end of the tropical range, so ensure that other tankmates have the same needs. Some of the
Crossocheilus and
Garra species would make good companions, as would many of the
Nemacheilus/
Schistura brook loaches or some of the medium sized danionins. Interestingly, this species is replaced by
P. semifasciolatus in southern Taiwan.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, daphnia etc. Will nibble at certain types of algae, and some aquatic plants.
Breeding
Snyder's Barbs have not been bred in the home aquarium, and they would make an excellent breeding project for the serious hobbyist. This species is likely to spawn in the same way as many other closely related cyprinids, so a separate breeding aquarium should be set up for this purpose, ensuring it is of good length as the spawning would be expected to be quite an active affair. The tank should be furnished with several large clumps of Java moss or mats of fake plastic grass for the female to scatter her eggs over. Spawning is likely to be triggered by a slight temperature rise and when the first rays of morning light hit the aquarium, with the male vigorously driving the female back and forth over the top of the plants where she will scatter her eggs (simultaneously fertilised by the male). Most of the eggs should fall to the relative safety of the moss, but be sure to remove the hungry parents as soon as spawning has ceased as they will otherwise begin hunting out the eggs.
