Description
Indian Melon barbs are also know as the ember barb, panda barb, or banded barb. It is an easy fish to care for and can be fun to watch as it swims in schools of six or more. Growing up to 7cm this species has a orange to red to purple base body colour with variable dark bands.
Native to Southern Indian rivers and tributaries filled with sand, rocks, and thick vegetation and commonly found along side other barbs.
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Features of Indian Melon Barb's:
- Orange to red to purple body colour with variables dark bands across the body
- Hardy species that tolerate broad water conditions
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Females are larger and deeper bodies than males
- Males mature with brighter colouration
- Grows up to 7cm
Indian Melon Barb : Care, Diet and Tank Mates
The Best Aquarium Size for Indian Melon Barbs:
Indian Melon barbs are very active fish and they need at least 50L tank to keep a small group of them. If keeping a large group, consider a larger aquarium. They are keen jumpers, so ensure a secure lid on your aquarium.
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Tank Mate Compatibility:
Avoid keeping Indian Melon barbs in the same aquarium with docile, slow-moving, or long or flowing-finned fish, such as the angelfish, guppies or bettas. They can be mildy aggressive and display bullying behaviour if kept singularly or in too small of a school. They are best in a large group, and can be a number of different barb varieties.
Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates for your Indian Melon Barb:
Indian Melon Barb Diet :
Indian Melon barbs are omnivores and are accepting of almost any food, Indian Melon barbs should be given a variety of foods. Feed a quality pelleted or flake food, in addition to live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms. They will also consume vegetable matter.
Indian Melon Barb Tank Set-up
Aquarium Filtration for Panda Barbs
They are a hardy species and tolerate broad water parameters but do best in clean water. When selecting an aquarium filter consider the size of your aquarium and ensure adequate volume to maintain clean water. Sponge filters and hang on filters are suitable, cannister filters are a great option for medium to large aquariums.
Browse aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Plants for Indian Melon Barb:
They are active swimmers and look great darting in and around live aquarium plants. Silk and plastic plants are also a great option to add life to your aquarium. Floating plants, or plants that can grow to the surface to create shade are a great idea as the Indian Melon Barb enjoys a dully lit aquarium.
Great aquarium plants to consider include:
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Aquarium Lighting for Indian Melon Barbs
Indian Melon barbs prefer a more dimly lit aquarium. Naturally they are found in heavily vegetated waters with lots of shade and cover. An LED aquarium lighting system gives you the opportunity to adjust lighting as required. Aquarium lighting is necessary for the photosynthesis required for healthy aquarium plants.
Looking for the ideal aquarium lighting? Shop fish tank lighting here.
Aquarium Substrate for Indian Melon Barbs
Indian Melon barbs occupy to middle water column and do not have substrate preferences. Darker substrates may bring out more colour in your fish though, as this helps reduce light and stress. Aquarium gravel, sand and pebbles are all options. If planting live aquarium plants, aquarium soils can be used under a layer of gravel or sand for optimum plant fertilization and growth.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
