False Eight-banded Barb
Eirmotus octozona
A tiny, bar-striped cyprinid that rewards patient keepers with natural schooling behavior.
About
Found in Thailand and western Borneo, Eirmotus octozona is a small cyprinid that carries eight dark vertical bars across a warm reddish-to-yellowish body. A pattern that earned it the trade nickname 'false eight-banded barb', a name it shares with at least one close relative. It was the only member of its genus for nearly fifty years before a 2008 revision added further species, all of them similar enough in appearance to cause confusion in the trade. One way to distinguish this species from its cousins involves details like the bold dark mark ahead of the anus and the blackened simple dorsal-fin rays. Like others in the genus, it also carries rows of sensory papillae on the snout and cheeks, a feature rare among cyprinids. In the aquarium, this fish is notably shy and can take several weeks to feel comfortable in a new setup. During that settling-in period, making sure it actually gets enough food is genuinely important. It belongs in a quiet, species-appropriate community alongside similarly sized peaceful fish like Boraras or Trigonostigma, and it should be kept in groups of at least eight to ten individuals. Larger or more assertive tankmates will stress it. Males kept in good-sized groups show richer coloration and engaging competitive displays toward one another.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with False Eight-banded Barb
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the False Eight-banded Barb get?
- The False Eight-banded Barb reaches about 1–1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the False Eight-banded Barb need?
- A minimum of 14 gallons is recommended for the False Eight-banded Barb, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the False Eight-banded Barb need?
- The False Eight-banded Barb does best with a temperature of 72–79°F, a pH of 5–7, hardness around 1–12 dGH.
- Is the False Eight-banded Barb aggressive?
- The False Eight-banded Barb is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the False Eight-banded Barb eat?
- The False Eight-banded Barb is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the False Eight-banded Barb live?
- With good care, the False Eight-banded Barb typically lives 3-5 years.