Barbodes lateristriga (Spanner Barb / T-Barb) 2-2.5 cm

Origin & Habitat

• Native Range: Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula and Borneo.

• Habitat: Inhabits clear mountain streams with rocky substrates, often found below waterfalls.  

🐠 Appearance & Behavior

• Size: Up to 18 cm (7 inches) in length.

• Coloration: Golden body with three distinctive black bars resembling a spanner's shape, hence the name.

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; best kept in schools of 5 or more.  

🏠 Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 cm (4 ft) long aquarium.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F).

  • pH: 6.5–7.5.

  • Hardness: Moderate.

• Diet: Omnivorous; appreciates a diet rich in plant matter.

• Tankmates: Suitable for larger, active community tanks; avoid very small or timid species.  

🧬 Breeding

• Reproduction: Egg scatterers; do not provide parental care.

• Spawning: Best achieved in a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops