Clown Barb
Barbodes dunckeri
An imposing, highly colorful, and tireless Asian cyprinid. Often sold without warning that it can reach 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length, it is an exceptionally active and peaceful schooling fish suited only for very large tanks.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
13 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 180 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
5 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 7 dKH
TDS
95 - 295 ppm
Conductivité
148 - 461 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Indonesia (Sumatra). Inhabits shaded forest streams and swamps with bottoms rich in decaying leaves, fallen branches and moderate current.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Clown Barb / Duncker's Barb (Barbodes dunckeri). Often confused in the past with B. everetti (extinct in captivity). It is a massive cyprinid, with a high and laterally compressed body, with well-developed barbels on the snout.
Social Behavior: Lively and moderately hierarchical schooling fish. Within the group there are harmless skirmishes, but if kept singly or in small numbers (less than 6) it can become neurotic or a "fin nipper" towards other species.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright yellow-gold background with 4 evident vertical black bands or large dark spots on the flanks ("clown" livery). The pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are an intense red-orange. Females are visibly stockier and more massive; males more slender and brightly colored.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Voluminous tank (minimum 120 cm / 48 inches). Feels safe only if the tank offers ample open space for swimming in the center, with thick groves of robust plants (Cryptocoryne, Anubias) on the sides. Warning: eats tender-leaved plants.
Diet and Feeding: Insatiable omnivore, with a strong vegetarian component. Accepts everything: granules, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp. It is imperative to supplement the diet with blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) or spirulina-based tablets to prevent it from devouring plants.
Water Quality: Very tolerant of water values, as long as they are stable. Prefers slightly acidic waters (pH 6.5) and moderate mechanical filtration that generates a pleasant longitudinal current.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Perfect for "robust" community tanks with Botias, Crossocheilus, medium-sized Gouramis (Trichopodus) and Loricariids. Absolutely unsuitable for cohabitation with slow fish or those with veil fins (Angelfish, Betta) which would be stressed and bitten.
Aquarium Breeding: Egg-scatterer. After intense morning chases, the males push the female among the fine-leaved plants where hundreds of eggs are released. Total absence of parental care: parents will devour their own eggs instantly if not removed.
Risks and Diseases: Very robust. The only real danger in the aquarium is obesity (fatty degeneration of the liver) if overfed with purely protein diets without adequate vegetable portions and space to swim.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Native to the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Indonesia (Sumatra). Inhabits shaded forest streams and swamps with bottoms rich in decaying leaves, fallen branches and moderate current.
Origine
Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- Barbodes dunckeri is a peaceful yet highly active and sometimes boisterous species. Because of their energetic swimming, they can easily stress smaller or more timid tank mates. While they are not inherently aggressive, their size and schooling behavior mean they are best housed with other robust fish. Keeping them in a proper group of at least 6–10 individuals helps to direct their energy inward and maintain harmony in a community setup.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- In the wild, Barbodes dunckeri is an omnivorous opportunistic feeder that consumes various insects, worms, detritus, and plant matter. In an aquarium, they are unfussy eaters and will readily accept high-quality dry foods such as flakes and pellets. This diet should be regularly supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Additionally, offering some vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods will ensure they receive a balanced nutrition.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-8 years
- Taille adulte
- 13 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Group
- Barbodes dunckeri is a shoaling species that must be kept in a group of at least 6 to 10 individuals to promote natural behaviors and reduce stress. Within this school, a mixed ratio of males and females is highly recommended to distribute any potential spawning interest or territorial squabbles. Keeping a balanced group also encourages the males to display their best colors and courtship behavior without focusing too much attention on a single female. There is no strict ratio like a harem required, making a standard group stocking approach the most suitable method for this species.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- To sustain their high activity levels, Barbodes dunckeri should be fed two to three times a day. Only offer as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to avoid water quality degradation. Varying the types of food offered during these feedings helps maintain interest and optical condition. A consistent feeding schedule supports their active metabolism and overall health without overfeeding.
- Charge biologique
- Medium
- Due to their relatively large size for a barb, reaching up to 10–12 cm, and their active schooling nature, Barbodes dunckeri produces a moderate amount of biological waste. They are sensitive to the accumulation of organic pollutants, meaning that robust filtration and routine maintenance are essential. A filter with a turnover rate of at least 4–5 times the aquarium volume per hour, coupled with weekly water changes of 30–50%, is highly recommended to keep the water pristine. Consequently, their biological load is classified as medium, requiring a well-established and efficient filtration system.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- Originating from forest streams and small rivers, Barbodes dunckeri prefers a moderate to strong water flow. This current replicates their natural habitat, encouraging healthy exercise and natural schooling patterns. High dissolved oxygen levels, which often accompany good water flow, are vital for their well-being. Using powerheads or spray bars can help generate the active environment they prefer.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Due to their high energy levels and active swimming behavior, Barbodes dunckeri poses a significant risk of jumping out of the aquarium. They can easily leap from the water if startled by sudden movements, changes in lighting, or interactions with tank mates. Therefore, a tightly fitted lid or cover slides are mandatory to prevent any accidental escapes. Additionally, incorporating floating plants can help diffuse light and provide cover, reducing their startle response.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Like most cyprinids, Barbodes dunckeri is a scatterer of non-adhesive eggs that shows no parental care. Breeding them in captivity can be moderately challenging and requires a dedicated, shallow spawning tank. This setup should feature a grid, marbles, or dense clumps of fine-leaved plants like Java moss to protect the eggs from being eaten by the parents. The breeding water should be soft, slightly acidic, and maintained at a temperature between 26–28 °C to trigger spawning.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- Barbodes dunckeri is compatible with a wide range of similarly sized, active species in a community setup. Good tank mates include other robust barbs, larger rasboras, loaches, and active catfish. Slow-moving, long-finned, or timid species should be avoided as they may be nipped or easily intimidated by the clown barb's energetic nature. Very small fish or shrimp are also not recommended, as they might be viewed as potential prey.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- This active species primarily occupies the bottom and middle zones of the aquarium, where they constantly swim and search for food. They appreciate a layout with plenty of open swimming space in these levels, alongside structures like driftwood and roots to feel secure. While they may occasionally venture to the surface during feeding times, their daily activity is concentrated lower in the water column. Consequently, it is best to decorate the tank keeping their preference for the bottom-middle level in mind.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2,7 ± 0,3 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01072, b = 3.02
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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