Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Puntius lateristriga, better known as Spanner Barb, is an Asian freshwater species distributed in Southeast Asia, particularly in quick moving streams and rivers.
PH: 6.0 – 6.5
Temperature: 23°C – 29C (72 – 84F)
Hardness: 8 – 10 dH
Description: Puntius lateristriga can reach a length of around 15 – 18 cm. Adult females have thicker bodies and are larger than males, and have less distinctive markings; males have a steep head in profile. The Spanner Barb has a silver-grey body and two vertical black bars on the front of its body. It also has a thin horizontal line that runs from the last bar to the caudal peduncle, resembling a T-shape. This species is sometimes called the T-Barb for that reason.
Diet: Puntius lateristriga will eat most foods, but has a preference for live food. It will accept quality flakes and granules, but it should be given veggie matter and algae wafers as a supplement.
Breeding: This egg-scattering species can be spawned in a group or in pairs; condition the adults with live foods and move the pair to a separate breeding tank if choosing to spawn in pairs. It might be a good idea to cover the base of the tank with mesh; the eggs will fall through the mesh and therefore cannibalisation can be avoided. The fry will probably hatch in 24 – 48 hours and the fry, which will be free swimming 24 hours later, can be fed on Infusoria before moving on to microworm or nauplii.
Comments: You should tank this species in at least a 255 litre tank. Puntius lateristriga will need a well-oxygenated tank and a power filter to replicate its natural environment: fast-flowing rivers. Include a gravel or sand substrate along with plenty of hiding/spawning spots: rocks, in particular.
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Recommended Compatible Species: The Spanner Barb is lively and may intimidate shy species. You could house it with rheophilic Asian fishes, including larger Danio, Davario, Garra, Barillus and Balitorine loaches.
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