Desmopuntius hexazona (“Six-Banded Barb”)

Imported on October 17, 2025 — shipping begins on October 26, 2025

this fish is WILD CAUGHT

Desmopuntius hexazona (“Six-Banded Barb”)

Desmopuntius hexazona is a small, striking barb native to the shaded peat-swamp forests and acidic blackwater streams of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Its distinct appearance comes from six vertical black bands on a golden to reddish-orange body. Calm, schooling behavior and attractive coloration make this an excellent choice for peaceful blackwater community aquariums.

Size:
Reaches approximately 4–5.5 cm (≈ 1.6–2.2″) in total length.

Water parameters:
Prefers soft, acidic, tannin-rich blackwater conditions.
pH 4.0 – 7.0 (ideally 5.0 – 6.5)
GH ≤ 4 °d
KH ≤ 2 °d
TDS < 150 ppm
Requires stable, clean water with gentle to moderate flow. Provide shaded conditions with dense planting, driftwood, and leaf litter.

Temperature:
22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F); 25 – 26 °C recommended for long-term stability.

Food:
Omnivorous with a preference for small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and insect larvae.
Readily accepts quality flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with frozen and vegetable-based items for coloration and condition.

Important note:
Keep in groups of six or more to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
Provide a dark substrate, subdued lighting, and plenty of plants or floating cover.
Avoid aggressive or overly active fish — D. hexazona thrives in calm environments.

Tankmates:
Ideal companions include small rasboras, peaceful loaches, dwarf gouramis, or other soft-water community fish.
Avoid fin-nippers, large barbs, or cichlids.

Breeding:
A free-spawning egg scatterer. Condition a group with abundant live or frozen food.
Use a separate breeding tank with very soft, slightly acidic water, fine-leaved plants, or spawning mops.
Spawning occurs at first light; eggs fall among plants or substrate.
Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.
Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming after another 2–3 days.
Feed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, followed by baby brine shrimp or microworms once large enough.