Melon Barb

The Melon Barb is a lively, serene, and attractive fish that would thrive in a community aquarium.

This fish has various variations that differ in color and patterning depending on location and habitat type.

Species from highland habitats have an orangey-gold base color. Lower elevations, on the other hand, are often purple or crimson. The amount of thick dark bands on their body varies according to habitat and can range from one to five.

Melon Barbs live in soft, acidic, somewhat fast-flowing waterways in a variety of habitats, including canals, lakes, ditches, ponds, and hill streams, as well as major rivers in Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in South India’s the Western Ghats.

II. You would love the fish because…

Melon Barb has a distinct appearance that even inexperienced fish keepers will recognize. The fish’s body is fairly broad. It is the tallest in the middle and tapers to a triangular-shaped nose.

These fish are similarly brightly colored and have a distinct design.

Melon Barb has a striking red-pink coloration. Some have a faint rose gold hue as well. Several stripes are placed on top of the base color.

Puntius fasciatus should always be kept in small groups of 8-10 specimens. They show off their colors best in tanks with low lighting and a dark substrate. Fill the tank with plants but leave open swimming places.

The fish will not have the best coloration if housed in an open tank; however, adding them to a community set up with other similar-sized tank mates will help them to demonstrate natural schooling with other species. They do not require a lot of water flow, but a gentle flow is preferred; this will also benefit any plants placed in the aquarium.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

Melon Barbs are considered semi-aggressive but will push smaller, susceptible fish around. They may also nibble at the fins of slower-moving tankmates. Aggressive behavior is frequent even within their species.

IV. Species compatibility

Rosy Barb, Cherry Barb, Cory Catfish, Most Types Of Plecos, Clown Loach, Tinfoil Barb, Pictus Catfish, Neon Tetra.

V. How to feed this species?

Feed your tiger barbs twice a day if possible, or once a day if your schedule allows. Every day, feed your fish high-quality flake food. Once a day, feed them bloodworms, brine shrimp, boiled lettuce, or zucchini.