T-barb

Barbodes lateristriga

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Other names: Spanner barb, Barbodes lateristriga, Puntius lateristriga, Barbus lateristriga

Group: Barbs and cyprinids · Family: Cyprinidae · Origin: Southeast Asia — the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Indonesia

A large barb of up to 15 cm whose two vertical black bars and one horizontal black stripe resemble the letter T or a spanner. Peaceful but active; it needs a large tank.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 4–12 dGH
Adult size: 15 cm
Minimum tank size: 300 liters
Social structure: School
Group: at least 5, ideally 6+
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature22–27°C

pH6–7.5

General hardness (GH)4–12 dGH

Recommended range

Eats shrimp Suitable for planted tanks

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The T-barb is a large, robust barb that lives in the forest streams of Southeast Asia. The two vertical black bars on the front half of its body and the horizontal stripe running from the middle to the tail together form a shape that resembles the letter T or a spanner (wrench). The pattern is very distinct in juveniles and fades somewhat in older fish. Adults reach 12–15 cm, sometimes more.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 300 liters and 150 cm in length for a group of 5–6.
23–26°C; clean, oxygenated water and moderate flow.
Tough-leaved plants, roots and rocks along the edges; plenty of swimming space in the middle.
A 30% weekly water change; powerful filtration.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Omnivorous with a good appetite. Large granules and pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables; frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. It may eat dwarf shrimp and very small fish.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

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

Good companions: peaceful fish of similar size: clown barbs, large rainbowfish, pearl gouramis, clown loaches, bristlenose and other plecos.

Avoid: very small fish such as neons, dwarf shrimp, and slow, shy species.

A short profile for this species

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

Tank mates

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