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Threeband barb (Desmopuntius trifasciatus) — Cyprinidae

Threeband barb

Desmopuntius trifasciatus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Threeband barb (Desmopuntius trifasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The threeband barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from clear fresh water of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, silvery body with three to four dark crossbars and small barbels. As a schooling fish it swims in forest streams and blackwater and snaps at insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threeband barb?

The Threeband barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Threeband barb live?

The Threeband barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Threeband barb get?

The Threeband barb grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Threeband barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Threeband barb is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Threeband barb (Desmopuntius trifasciatus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Akhsan Baihaqi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Threeband barb sourced
Scientific name
Desmopuntius trifasciatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Desmopuntius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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