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Maximum size : 6 cm
Lined Barb - Striuntius lineatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
In a community aquarium, Lined Barbs would fit in well due to their peaceful nature, hardiness, and non-demanding characteristics. However, they can sometimes be timid and need a stable water environment and hiding places. A group of six or more Lined Barbs is best for keeping this sociable species. Males generally try to segregate themselves in quiet territories during the lower levels of the aquarium, courting the females as they swim by. As with most fish, males will show their most substantial colouration when trying to impress their rivals and attract the females. In order to ensure a peaceful environment for Lined Barbs, it is recommended that you keep them with other mild fish of the same size. For example, Tetras, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Catfish, and Plecos would all make good tankmates. These Barbs may, however, be considered food by larger fish. Lined Barbs prefer a well-planted aquarium; however, they will nibble on plants, so include hardy varieties like Anubias sp and Java fern that thrive in warm water. Make sure there is plenty of space in the middle of the tank for swimming by placing them around the sides and back of the tank. Make sure you have a few woody and rocky hiding places. As this species is sensitive to pollutants, the aquarium must undergo frequent partial water changes. To thrive, these fish also require well-oxygenated water, particularly if they're kept at high temperatures. Lined Barbs have silvery bodies with several dark vertical stripes. In addition, these Barbs possess a distinctive fleshy structure on their lower lip. This species is very similar to the Striped Barb; however, they are much smaller and, as juveniles, lack the vertical bars.Lined Barb Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively simple to differentiate between male and female Lined Barbs. Adult males tend to be slightly smaller, are noticeably slimmer and exhibit more intense colour and patterning than females. In contrast, females are more rounded in their bodies and are slightly larger and somewhat duller than males.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Striuntius lineatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1904 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Striuntius |
| Origins | Malaysia Indonesia |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 4.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| ℉ | 68 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 26.1 |
Natural habitat
The Lined Barb is native to Malaysia and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia in Southeast Asia. These Barbs inhabit swamps, standing waters with submerged grasses, aquatic plants and blackwater rivers.How to breed the Lined Barb
It is relatively easy to breed Lined Barbs as long as conditions are suitable. You can breed them in groups or as pairs. Your breeding tank should have soft acidic water with plenty of fine-leaved plants such as java moss. If these are unavailable, spawning mops will do just fine. The lighting must be dim as the eggs are sensitive to bright light. Feeding the Barbs frozen or live food such as bloodworm or brine shrimp will induce their spawning mood and allow them to produce high-quality, healthy eggs, henceforth producing quality fry. You will be able to tell when spawning has begun as you will see the male swimming around the female in a courting display while spreading out his fins. This process can take several hours, and they can produce as many as 100 eggs which they will scatter amongst the plants. Just like many other species of fish, you will need to remove the adults once the eggs have been laid or given the opportunity they will eat them. The laid eggs will hatch within 24 hours, and the babies will become free swimming 24 hours after that.Diet & feeding
In the home aquarium, the Lined Barb will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements. Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish. It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages. This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.Other Barbs you maybe interested in
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