Pentazona Barb

Desmopuntius pentazona

Pentazona Barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Barb & Shark. Minimum tank in the app: 21 US gal min; aim for 72–81°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.

Pentazona Barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size21 US gal min
pH range6–7.5
Temperature72–81°F
Max size2.0 in (5.0 cm)
Captive lifespan4–10 years
SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Pentazona Barb Tank Setup

Plan for at least 21 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 72–81°F and pH 6–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Pentazona Barbs Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Pentazona Barb Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Peaceful. Five-banded barb; peaceful for a barb. Keep in groups of 6+. Good community fish. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Pentazona Barbs Good for Beginners?

Often a sensible first fish once the tank is cycled and you are willing to test water sometimes. Skip the impulse buy on the same day you set up the tank.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.