Barb – Clown Barb (Puntius everetti) 4cm

Clown Barb (Puntius everetti) 4.5cm

The Clown Barb comes from Southeast Asia, Singapore, Borneo, and the Bungarian Islands. They inhabit quiet forest streams, tributaries, and forest pools in the foothills. These waters are normally clear with variable currents. These fish show a preference for shallow areas of the water, around 6 inches deep. They are foraging omnivores and feed on worms, insect, crustaceans, plants, and other organic debris.

Clown Barbs are hardy, durable fish, but they are suggested for an aquarium keeper with some experience. They require an aquarium that is at least 100 litre or more and warmer water than most tropical fish. Although they are considered to be a good community fish, they can get nippy and may even snack on smaller species.

Since they are omnivorous, the Clown Barb will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance, give them a high quality flake food every day. Feed brine shrimp and blood worms (either live or frozen) as a treat. This fish will eat as much as you feed them, so you should determine a reasonable amount of food. The rule of thumb when offering food several times a day is to offer only what they can consume in 3 minutes or less at each feeding. When offering food just once a day, provide what they can eat in about 5 minutes.

Clown Barbs are not exceptionally difficult to care for provided their water is kept clean and at the proper temperature. Aquariums are closed systems, and regardless of size, all need some maintenance. Over time, decomposing organic matter, nitrates, and phosphate build up and water hardness increases due to evaporation. Replace 20 to 25% of the tank water at least once a fortnight. If the tank is densely stocked, 20 to 25% should be replaced weekly.

The Clown Barb will swim in all parts of the tank but prefers open areas in the middle. They can reach up to 10cm in length, so a school will need at least a 100 litre aquarium. Provide good filtration and do regular water changes. Additionally, the tank should be covered as they may jump.

These fish will do best and are most effectively displayed in tanks that simulate their natural habitat. Provide a sandy substrate, some rocks and wood for hiding places, and some plants. They will nibble on plants, so use hardy varieties. Placing the plants around the inside perimeter of the tank, along the sides and back, will leave lots of open swimming space. An efficient filter and good water movement are needed for the male fishes to develop their colouration.

These fish are commonly listed as a lively, peaceful species that make an excellent community fish. Although this is mostly true, they can be fin nippers and may terrorise other fish because of their liveliness. However, some individual fish are worse than others, so they should be watched as closely as possible. Some aquarists claim that they may eat other fish, especially fish that are smaller or even similar in size.

These barbs should be kept in a school of at least 6 or more fish with a good mix of males and females. This will make the Clown Barb less skittish and will help keep aggression within the school. Other tankmates need to be of a similar size and temperament and be able to thrive at the higher temperatures required by this species.

The personality of this fish is not neutral enough to fit the casual description of a community fish. It is usually not too aggressive, particularly when kept in a group of its own kind, but it is a skilled hunter and may eat fish of a smaller, and even similar, size.

• Species – Puntius everetti
• Common Name – Clown Barb
• Origin – Southeast Asia, Singapore, Borneo, and the Bungarian Islands.
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – 6.5 – 7
• Temperature – Tropical 26-28°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• Current Size – approximately 4.5cm (Grows to approximately 10cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed