Melon barb

Melon barbs are native to the fast-flowing rivers of South India and grow up to 7cm in length. They are hardy, freshwater fish, considered extremely attractive for their striking orange-red colouration and bold vertical bands.

Special requirements: Must be kept in groups of six or more to promote their confidence and reduce mild hierarchical behaviour.
Melon barbs are familiar with the fast-moving streams of The Western Ghats, to mimic this environment, consider a moderate to strong filter flow, a well oxygenated tank with lots of free-swimming space and sturdy plants to offer hiding spaces.

Diet: At Wirral Aquatics we feed our Melon barbs EBP pro soft artemia and spirulina as well as live foods, such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Our melon barbs are also fed cucumber periodically – this has lots of benefits as well as discouraging the barbs form nipping at the plants within the tank.

Tank size: 100 litres +

Tank mates: Melon barbs, whilst generally consider a peaceful fish, are also extremely active and fast moving. For this reason, it is best to house them with similar sized, fast-moving fish such as tetras, rasboras and danios. Avoid housing them with slow moving fish who they will outcompete for food, or fish with long fins as the barbs may be tempted to nip them.