Redside barb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redside barb |
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| Puntius bimaculatus male | |
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The redside barb or two-spot barb (Puntius bimaculatus) is a type of ray-finned fish. It belongs to the Puntius group of fish. You can find this fish in countries like India and Sri Lanka. A scientist named Pieter Bleeker first identified and named it in 1863.
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What Does the Redside Barb Look Like?
The redside barb is a small fish. It has a slim body that is a bit flattened, shaped like a torpedo. Adult redside barbs grow up to about 7 centimeters (almost 3 inches) long.
Telling Males and Females Apart
It's easy to tell the difference between male and female redside barbs. This is called sexual dimorphism. Both sexes have two black spots. One spot is near the top fin (dorsal fin). The other spot is where the body meets the tail fin (caudal fin).
There is also a colorful stripe that runs from their eyes to the tail spot.
- Males: Grown-up males have a bright dark red stripe in the middle. Above this red stripe, there is a bronze-greenish colored band. Their eyes also have a red outer edge.
- Females: In females, the red color is not as bright. The bronze band is also harder to see. Females usually have a slightly rounder body shape.
Where Do Redside Barbs Live?
Redside barbs live in different types of water. You can find them in hill streams, swampy lowlands, and rivers in dry areas. They also live in tanks, which are like large ponds.
What They Eat and How They Live
These fish are called benthopelagic. This means they live and feed both near the bottom and in the middle of the water. They mostly eat green algae and tiny bits of decaying plants and animals (detritus). They prefer water with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. They are very common in river banks and streams in a place called Tripura. Local tribes often catch them there.
Redside Barbs in Aquariums
Redside barbs are popular fish for home aquariums. They are very active and swim fast. They are also peaceful with other fish in the tank.
Keeping Them Happy in Your Tank
- Schooling: They look best and are happiest when kept in a group of more than six fish.
- Water Flow: They like water that has a moderate current. They enjoy swimming against it.
- Hiding Spots: Make sure to give them plenty of open space to swim. They also like places to hide. You can add plants, driftwood, and rocks to their tank.
- Food: Redside barbs are not picky eaters. They will eat most types of prepared fish food.
- Colors: In a group, the strongest male will show off the brightest red stripe. It will also have a shiny greenish-bronze band.
It is not very common for redside barbs to breed in home aquariums. Because they are so peaceful, they are a good choice for many community aquariums.
Why Are Redside Barbs Important?
Redside barbs are important in the aquarium trade. This means many people buy and sell them to keep as pets.
