Puntius pentazona

Alternative names

 * Five-Banded Barb,, ,

Sexing

 * Males tend to be more slender and colourful than females.

Tank compatibility

 * Puntius pentazona works well with other Barbs and Rasboras, as well as small, peaceful Loaches and Gouramis. Should be kept in groups of at least 5 of its own kind.

Diet

 * Reportedly they are not fond of flake foods, however this is changing over time as generations are tank reared. Their preference is live or frozen food such as bloodworms and daphnia or mosquito larvae.

Feeding regime

 * Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

 * P. pentazona thrives in soft, slightly acidic water, preferably with peat filtration. A dark substrate and subdued lighting (from floating plants) best shows their delicate colours. Complete the tank with plants, rocks and driftwood, leaving an open area in the middle for swimming.

Behaviour

 * Puntius pentazona is an active, peaceful shoaling (schooling) fish that is a blast to watch. However, they will become timid with boisterous fish.

Identification

 * This fish has very very similar colouration to the Tiger Barb, the Pentazona Barb however is not as high bodied and the black bars are more slender.