Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Melon Barb
Haludaria fasciata
Also called Ember barb, Banded barb, Black spot barb, Puntius fasciatus, Barbus fasciatus
From Asia: endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India (Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu)12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Seriously Fish gives 6 to 7 cm standard length; Wikipedia gives about 6 cm
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled cyprinid (barb)
A small, peaceful barb whose look depends on where it comes from. Highland fish tend towards orange, lowland fish towards purple or red, and the number of dark body bars ranges from none to five. Males show red or black in the dorsal fin and flush red when breeding, while females are larger and rounder.12
Personality what they are like
A friendly, gregarious community fish. It is a keen eater, so slower feeders may need a little extra attention at mealtimes.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active schooling barb that needs open swimming space and some current.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Seriously Fish suggests a tank base of at least 90 x 30 cm. Water: about 22 to 26 C and pH 6.0 to 7.5, with Wikipedia noting soft water around 5 dGH and pH 6.0 to 6.5 in its natural range.12
Home where they are happiest
In the wild it lives in many kinds of water, from hill streams and big rivers to irrigation canals and ponds. A planted tank with open water, gravel or sand and some current is a good fit.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous, eating algae, diatoms, detritus, small insects, worms and crustaceans in nature. In the aquarium feed quality flakes plus small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp.1
Company who they like around
Keep in a group of eight to ten for natural schooling behaviour.1
The story where it all began
Thomas Jerdon described the melon barb in 1849 from southern India. It has since passed through several genera, including Puntius and Dravidia, before landing in Haludaria. Researchers think some of its regional forms may turn out to be separate species.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Scientific description
- Described by Jerdon in 18492
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Melon 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 Melon Barb?
Feed your Melon Barb small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. They are keen eaters, so watch that slower tankmates get their share. Adjust based on how quickly they finish the food.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Melon Barb eat, and what should it never eat?
Melon Barbs are omnivores and enjoy quality flakes plus small live or frozen foods like bloodworm and brine shrimp. As for what to never feed, that varies by individual; always ask your vet for a safe list. Avoid overfeeding and never give foods not meant for fish.1
How much space does a Melon Barb need?
A tank base of at least 90 x 30 cm is recommended for a school of Melon Barbs. They are active swimmers and need open swimming space with some current. A planted tank with gravel or sand works well.1
What temperature, light or water does a Melon Barb need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 26°C with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, ideally soft water around 5 dGH. Lighting needs vary; provide moderate light for a planted tank. A gentle current and good filtration are beneficial.12
How often should I clean a Melon Barb's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, along with glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Regular cleaning keeps your barb healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Melon Barb live with others?
Yes, Melon Barbs are friendly and gregarious, best kept in a group of eight to ten for natural schooling. They get along with other peaceful community fish, but slower feeders may need extra attention at mealtimes.1
How long does a Melon Barb live?
Lifespan information is not provided in the sources. It varies by care and genetics, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a typical range.
Can I handle a Melon Barb?
Handling fish is generally stressful and not recommended. If you need to move your Melon Barb, use a soft net and keep handling to a minimum. Consult your vet for proper techniques.
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: Haludaria fasciata seriouslyfish.comused for names, distribution, size, care parameters, diet, behaviour, colour variation, taxonomy
- Wikipedia: Haludaria fasciata en.wikipedia.orgused for synonyms, describer, size, water parameters, breeding facts
- 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.