{"product_id":"mascara-barb-unit","title":"Mascara Barb","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Mascara Barb\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mascara Barb is a striking freshwater barb known for its shimmering silver-gold body, bold black facial marking, and flashes of red and orange in the fins, particularly in mature males. Native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of southern India, this active and peaceful schooling species is an excellent addition to larger planted and community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMascara Barbs are energetic swimmers that thrive in well-oxygenated aquariums with plenty of open swimming space, driftwood, rocks, and hardy aquatic plants. They are naturally social fish and should always be kept in schools of at least six, with larger groups displaying more confident behaviour and vibrant colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir peaceful temperament makes them suitable for community aquariums with rainbowfish, larger tetras, danios, peaceful loaches, Corydoras, and other active freshwater species. A varied diet of quality flakes, sinking pellets, frozen foods, and live foods will keep them healthy while enhancing their natural colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDawkinsia assimilis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMascara Barb\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouthern India\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and active\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e150 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22–27°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.5–7.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–15 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–7 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge community aquariums and planted tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Mascara Barbs aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They are generally peaceful, but like most barbs they are very active. Keeping them in groups of six or more helps minimise any chasing or fin-nipping behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Mascara Barbs should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum of six is recommended, although schools of eight or more encourage natural behaviour and bring out the best colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Mascara Barbs eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Mascara Barbs live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger shrimp may coexist with adult Mascara Barbs, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Mascara Barbs need current?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They naturally inhabit flowing rivers and appreciate moderate water movement and high oxygen levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping too few fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMascara Barbs are schooling fish and become stressed when kept in small numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing them in small aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir active nature and adult size require plenty of swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMixing with slow-moving fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid delicate long-finned species that may become stressed by their energetic behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular maintenance and stable water parameters are essential for healthy, colourful fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding a poor diet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet rich in quality foods helps maintain their vibrant colours and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853874245771,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/medium_7aa49b3f-0816-4811-ba98-066704e0176f.jpg?v=1785908427","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/mascara-barb-unit","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}