T Barb | Puntius laterstriga
Cyprinds / Barbs / T Barb
Profile: T Barb, Spanner Barb
Puntius laterstriga Synonyms: Barbus laterstriga, B. zelleri, Systomus laterstriga
Physical description: An elongated species with two pairs of barbels. The body coloration is generally brown-silver with a silver iridescence, although can be bluish or red. The body is marked with two broad bands which are black in color, and a black horizontal stripe that runs from the gill cover, though the black bands to the vertex of the caudal fin. The name of the T-Barb is derived from the sideways "T" created by the positioning of the second band and the horizontal line. The fins are colorless.
Size/Length: To 7" (18 cm) in nature, usually smaller in aquaria
Similar species: None
Habitat: Southeast Asia; Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a capacity of 35 gallons (132 L) is adequate. As for P. everetti .
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.8), 2-12 dH (5), 77-84°F (25-29°C)
Social behavior: An active species which tends to form schools while young. Adults may become solitary. Combine with similarly sized species.
Suggested companions: Danios, Barbs, Gouramis, Loaches, Doradids, Loricarids, Corydoras, Epalzeorhynchus.
FOOD: Plant material; vegetables; lettuce, spinach; oatmeal; vegetable flakes; tablets; live; crustaceans, insect larvae, Tubifex .
SEX: Males are more slender and more brightly colored.
Breeding techniques: Use a large tank (36" or more) with a water level of four to six inches deep. Use water with a temperature from 79-84°F (26-29°C), a water hardness from 2-6 dH, and a pH of 7.0. Use a substrate of marbles and plants the tank heavily with bunches of fine-leafed plants. Separate a healthy looking pair for three to four weeks prior to the intended spawning time. These should be conditioned separately on large amounts of bloodworms, mosquito larvae, white worms, and vegetable foods. Make frequent partial water changes of each fish's tank. Introduce the pair into the breeding tank. Spawning is usually initiated by early morning sunlight. As many as 3000 eggs are scattered among the plants after an active courtship. The parents should be removed just following the spawning. The fry hatch after 2 days and are free-swimming several days later. The fry can be raised on roftiers, Infusoria, and powdered dry foods.
Breeding potential: 6. With proper conditioning, spawning comes fairly easily.
Remarks: Make frequent partial water changes. This species has an interesting habit of burying itself when pursued. This species may consume plants if not fed the proper amounts of vegetable foods.
Difficulty of care: 5. A larger species that requires frequent partial water changes to prosper.