At a glance the quick version
Seriously Fish gives 5.5 cm maximum standard length; FishBase and Wikipedia give 8.8 cm maximum total length
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled cyprinid (barb)
A small, gold to orange barb crossed by five dark vertical bars. A small dark mark sits at the rear base of the dorsal fin, which helps tell it apart from the very similar six-banded barb. Males are slimmer and brighter than females.21
Personality what they are like
A peaceful little schooling barb that fits well into a calm community of similar-sized fish.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active schooling fish that likes a planted tank with rocks and wood but still needs open swimming room.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Seriously Fish suggests a tank base of at least 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres). It prefers soft, acidic water: Seriously Fish gives 21 to 26 C, pH 4.0 to 7.0 and 1 to 5 dGH; FishBase gives 26 to 29 C and pH 5.0 to 6.0.13
Home where they are happiest
Wild fish live in blackwater streams and peat swamps with calm lowland water. A dimly lit, well-planted tank with wood and leaf litter suits it.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A micropredator in nature, eating small insects and crustaceans. It accepts dried foods but shows its best colour with regular small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp.1
Company who they like around
Best kept in a group of eight to ten or more.1
The story where it all began
Boulenger described the five-banded barb in 1894. It was later placed in Puntius and then, in 2013, moved by Kottelat to the new genus Desmopuntius. True five-banded barbs are uncommon in the hobby, since most fish sold under the name are actually the six-banded barb.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern (LC), March 20203
- Scientific description
- Described by Boulenger in 18943
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Five-banded Barb. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Five-banded Barb?
Feed your Five-banded Barb small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. Furry Diary plan
What does a Five-banded Barb eat, and what should it never eat?
In nature it eats small insects and crustaceans, and it accepts dried foods. For best colour offer regular small live or frozen foods like Daphnia and brine shrimp. There is no specific list of foods to avoid in the provided information, so ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.1
How much space does a Five-banded Barb need?
A tank base of at least 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres) is recommended. It enjoys a dimly lit, well-planted tank with wood and leaf litter, plus open swimming room.123
What temperature, light or water does a Five-banded Barb need?
It prefers soft, acidic water: temperatures between 21 and 29 C, pH 4.0 to 7.0, and hardness 1 to 5 dGH. Keep lighting dim, as it comes from blackwater streams and peat swamps.13
How often should I clean a Five-banded Barb's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan is a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). Furry Diary plan
Can a Five-banded Barb live with others?
Yes, it is a peaceful schooling fish that does best in a group of eight to ten or more. It fits well into a calm community of similar-sized fish.12
How long does a Five-banded Barb live?
Lifespan is not given in the provided information. It varies by care; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.
Can I handle a Five-banded Barb?
Handling is not recommended for this small, delicate fish. It is best admired in its tank without physical contact.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Seriously Fish: Desmopuntius pentazona seriouslyfish.comused for distribution, size, care parameters, diet, group size, identification, history, trade notes
- Wikipedia: Desmopuntius pentazona en.wikipedia.orgused for colour, habitat, behaviour, breeding fact
- FishBase: Desmopuntius pentazona summary fishbase.seused for IUCN status, describer, max length, water parameters, etymology
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.