Tri-Colour Barb

About the Tri-Colour Barb

The Tri-Colour Barb is a peaceful and beautifully patterned freshwater fish, admired for its shimmering bronze-gold body, bold black vertical bands, and vibrant red to orange highlights on its fins. Native to the slow-moving blackwater streams and forest waterways of Borneo and Sumatra, this attractive barb is an excellent choice for planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

Often confused with the Tiger Barb, the Tri-Colour Barb is significantly more peaceful and is an ideal community fish. When kept in schools, they display natural shoaling behaviour and their colours become more vibrant, especially in heavily planted aquariums with dark substrates and subdued lighting.

Tri-Colour Barbs thrive in aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter, live plants, and open swimming areas. Their active but peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Gouramis, Loaches, Rainbowfish, and other gentle tropical species.

A varied diet of premium micro pellets, tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live foods will keep them healthy while enhancing their natural colouration.

Hardy, colourful, and easy to care for, the Tri-Colour Barb is a fantastic addition to any peaceful freshwater community aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Desmopuntius pentazona

Common Name

Tri-Colour Barb

Origin

Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia

Adult Size

5–6 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

23–28°C

pH

5.5–7.5

Water Hardness

2–12 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

5–7 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tri-Colour Barbs aggressive?

No. Unlike Tiger Barbs, Tri-Colour Barbs are peaceful schooling fish and are well suited to community aquariums.

How many Tri-Colour Barbs should I keep?

They should always be kept in groups of at least six, although schools of eight or more provide the best behaviour and colour display.

What do Tri-Colour Barbs eat?

They readily accept quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other live or frozen foods.

Can Tri-Colour Barbs live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult Amano Shrimp and larger Cherry Shrimp are generally safe, although tiny shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Why are my Tri-Colour Barbs losing colour?

Poor water quality, stress, or keeping too few fish can reduce their vibrant colours. A varied diet, planted aquarium, and stable water conditions will help them display their best appearance.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Tri-Colour Barbs are schooling fish and become shy or stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.

Confusing them with Tiger Barbs

Tri-Colour Barbs are much more peaceful and are a far better choice for community aquariums.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular water changes are essential for maintaining healthy fish.

Feeding only one type of food

A varied diet enhances colour, immune health, and overall vitality.

Keeping them with large aggressive fish

Choose peaceful tank mates that won't intimidate or outcompete these active schooling fish.