🍈 Melon Barb Quick Summary Guide

(Puntius fasciatus)

📏 Species Overview

• Size: 4–5 inches (10–12.5 cm)

• Temperament: Peaceful, active

• Lifespan: 5–7 years

• Schooling: Keep in groups of 6+

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 30 gallons for a group

• Swimming style: Active middle–lower zone

• Décor:

  • Plants (they appreciate cover)

  • Open swimming areas

  • Smooth wood and rocks

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivore

• Foods:

  • High-quality flakes/pellets

  • Frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms)

  • Veggie matter (blanched spinach/zucchini)

• Frequency: 1–2× daily

👥 Tank Mates

Good:

• Other peaceful barbs

• Rasboras

• Rainbowfish

• Corydoras

• Plecos

• Gouramis (non-aggressive species)

Avoid:

• Very slow fish (they’re active)

• Long-finned fish if your barbs are overly nippy

• Aggressive cichlids

💧 Maintenance

• Moderate to strong filtration

• Weekly 25–35% water changes

• Keep tank covered (they can jump)

🐣 Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Method: Egg-scatterer

• Dense plants or spawning mops recommended

• Adults may eat eggs

• Feed fry infusoria → baby brine shrimp

⚠️ Common Issues

• Stress from small groups

• Poor color if tank is too bright or too bare

• Fin nipping if understocked (they need a proper school)