Melon Barb

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

Recognised by the official bits

Scientific description

Described by Jerdon in 18492