Melon Barb

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Western Ghats in southern India. Frequents slow-flowing streams shaded by dense forests, with abundant leaf cover on the bottom and debris.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Melon Barb (Haludaria fasciata, formerly Puntius fasciatus). Peaceful and stocky cyprinid. It is known for the absence of pronounced barbels, with an oval, massive and well-developed body in height.

Social Behavior: Quiet, peaceful and sometimes shy. Unlike its Tiger Barb cousins, it does not attack or nip fins. Must be kept in large schools (minimum 8-10 fish) to make the extreme colors bloom.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Absolutely wonderful: pinkish/purplish base ("melon" color) furrowed by 3-4 very black vertical bands that fade on the belly. In heat the male literally "bleeds" total bright red all over his body; the female remains duller, olive-pink and round.

Aquarium Setup: Standard Amazonian aquarium, minimum 100 cm (40 inches). Loves heavily planted areas (Cryptocorynes, ferns) and sunken woods that obscure part of the light. Avoid glaring lights. Water preferably slightly peaty (humic).

Diet and Feeding: Mid-tank micro-predator and omnivore. Voraciously accepts vegetable flakes and protein granules; to trigger mating colors administer bloodworms, live daphnia and brine shrimp in quantity (at least twice a week).

Water Quality: Very robust and adaptable, lives well at pH 6.5 as at 7.5. Only weakness: lack of oxygenation and high nitrates make it turn pale becoming a "transparent" and nervous fish.

Compatibility and Tankmates: One of the best community Barbs. Excellent companion for Trichogaster (Gourami), schools of Rasboras (Trigonostigma), Botias, and Garra rufa. Being mild, it will not stress slow fish nor will it be bothered by cleaners.

Aquarium Reproduction: Full-blown Egg-scatterer. Scatters eggs among fine-leaved plants like Java moss at dawn, eating them immediately after. Without a protective net, the eggs will disappear in a flash.

Risks and Diseases: The "ugly duckling": in the store it appears pale, silvery-gray, and is often not sold. Buying young specimens trusting in their future color metamorphosis requires patience.