Melon Barb – Haludaria fasciata 3 cm

Origin & Habitat

• Native Range: Endemic to rivers in Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats of South India.

• Natural Habitat: Tropical climate with flowing rivers and streams.

• Size: Typically grows to a length of 6 cm (2.4 inches).

• Temperament: Generally very peaceful, making it an ideal resident of well-researched community aquariums.  

🏠 Aquarium Setup & Water Parameters

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 to 55 gallons is ideal for a group of Panda barbs.

• Water Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F).

• pH: 6.0–7.8.

• Hardness: 2–16 dGH.

• Aquascaping Tips: A darker-neutral sandy substrate, driftwood, and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this barb.  

🐠 Behavior & Tankmates

• Schooling: Melon Barbs are fast-swimming and thrive best in the company of similarly active and large tankmates.

• Tankmates: Ideal companions include Denison Barbs, Rainbowfish, Gouramis, and Loaches.

• Compatibility: Generally very peaceful, but may outcompete slower-moving or more timid fishes as it's a somewhat vigorous feeder.  

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed once or twice daily with an amount they can consume within 2–3 minutes.

🧬 Breeding Information

• Spawning Behavior: Egg scatterers; females lay eggs on the substrate, which hatch in 24–36 hours. To prevent adults from eating the eggs, place marbles or mesh at the bottom of the breeding tank.

• Raising Fry: After hatching, feed fry infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to accept larger foods.