Snakeskin barb

Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus

Juvenile bars break into irregular eye-like markings as the fish matures.

The adult pattern is the attraction: formerly solid bars separate and develop pale openings. Their shape varies; the fish does not carry identical, perfectly closed rings.

Adult length: Up to 5.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
Lifespan: About 5 years
pH: 4–7
Hardness: 1–5 dGH

Natural habitat: Typically inhabits peat swamps, connected blackwater streams and other still waters, with brown acidic water, dense vegetation, leaves and wood.

Plan soft water and tankmates that will not monopolize food. Keep pH within 4–7.

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Appearance and identification

Males tend to be slimmer and more colourful, with copper-orange body tones and red-orange fins. Mature flank markings are more irregular than the largely solid bars of the six-banded barb. Juveniles look different.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least 8–10 fish. A group may reduce shyness and permit male displays; it does not school tightly.

Space requirements

Use a minimum 80 × 30 cm base for 8–10 fish, with soft substrate, wood, shade-tolerant plants, gentle flow and movement space.

Diet and feeding

Provide small live and frozen foods as well as dried foods, with small animal prey an important component. Avoid a single dried food and check that less assertive individuals are feeding.

Compatibility limits

Choose similarly sized, quiet fish that suit the same soft water. Vigorous feeders may outcompete it.

Aquarium environment

Soft water, gentle lighting and shade-tolerant plants suit it. Keep quiet feeding spaces.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22