False Eight-banded Barb

The false eight-banded barb is a small, delicate cyprinid from the blackwaters of Indonesia's peat swamp forests. Its semi-transparent gold-beige body is striped with thin, dark vertical bands, which give it its name. Although it looks like a barb, it belongs to a separate genus (Eirmotus). It is rare in the trade, and mostly wild-caught fish are sold.

• At least 54 liters and 60 cm in length for a group of 8–10.
• 24–27°C; very soft and acidic water (pH 5.0–6.5). It does not live long in hard water.
• Dark substrate, roots, dried catappa leaves, dense planting and dim light with floating plants.
• Small, frequent water changes (15–20% a week); it should go into a mature tank.

A micropredator that feeds on small invertebrates. Use live and frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and small bloodworms as the staple; as it gets used to the tank it may also accept fine granules.

Peaceful and shy; it feels safe in a large group and a calm setting. Alongside noisy, fast fish it cannot get to the food and hides.

Good companions: small, calm species that like blackwater: Boraras, harlequin rasboras, pencilfish, small tetras, pygmy corydoras, dwarf shrimp.

Avoid: active barbs, large fish and greedy, dominant species.