Spotted Barb

Barbodes binotatus

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Other names: Common barb, Barbodes binotatus, Puntius binotatus, Barbus binotatus

Group: Barbs and cyprinids · Family: Cyprinidae · Origin: Southeast Asia — the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo and surroundings)

A plain-looking barb that, as an adult, carries a black spot at the base of the dorsal fin and another on the caudal peduncle. Hardy and active, but it reaches 15–20 cm; it needs a large tank.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 4–15 dGH
Adult size: 18 cm
Minimum tank size: 400 liters
Social structure: School
Group: at least 5, ideally 6+
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C

pH6–7.5

General hardness (GH)4–15 dGH

Recommended range

May escape, needs a lid Eats small fish Eats shrimp Suitable for planted tanks

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The spotted barb is one of the most common barbs in Southeast Asia; it is abundant in streams, rivers and canals. Juveniles show several black blotches or bars along the body; in adults the pattern is usually limited to two spots, one at the base of the dorsal fin and one on the caudal peduncle. It is not showy but it is hardy; since adults reach 15–20 cm, it is not suitable for small tanks.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 400 liters and 150 cm in length for a group of 5–6.
23–27°C; clean, oxygenated water and moderate flow.
Sand-gravel substrate, rocks and roots; plenty of swimming space in the middle.
It jumps; a tight lid is needed. A 30% weekly water change.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Omnivorous with a good appetite. Granules and pellets, spirulina and vegetables; frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. It eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Peaceful but fast and active. It chases within its own group; it causes no problems with fish of similar size.

Good companions: peaceful fish of similar size: T-barbs, red-tailed tinfoil barbs, large gouramis, clown loaches, plecos.

Avoid: small schooling fish, dwarf shrimp, slow and long-finned species.

A short profile for this species

The Spotted Barb page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.

Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

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