Desmopuntius Trifasciatus

Datasheet

General Description

Desmopuntius Trifasciatus, a member of the Cyprinidae family, is characterized by a unique barred color pattern and typically reaches a maximum size of 10.0cm. It is one of three visually similar species within the genus and is often found in schools in its natural habitat. This species mainly feeds on diatoms, algae, organic detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton.

Aquarium Setup

Desmopuntius Trifasciatus is best suited for a heavily planted tank or a forest stream-type arrangement. A soft substrate, dim lighting, roots, branches, and leaf litter are recommended decorations. Additionally, including robust aquatic plants like Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, or Cryptocoryne spp. would create a suitable environment for this species. The water parameters should range from a pH of 5.0-7.0, a temperature between 20-25°C, and a hardness of 18-179ppm. A minimum tank size of 240 liters is advised for optimal living conditions.

Behaviour

Desmopuntius Trifasciatus thrives in peaceful community setups with other Southeast Asian fish species of similar size such as cyprinids and cobitids. Being a schooling fish by nature, it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least 8-10 specimens. Maintaining them in larger numbers reduces skittish behavior and enhances the natural beauty of the tank. Males often display vibrant colors while competing for female attention within the group.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Desmopuntius Trifasciatus feeds on a variety of organisms including diatoms, algae, insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton. In captivity, they readily accept small live and frozen foods like bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia. A balanced diet should also include high-quality dried flakes and granules, preferably with added plant or algal content to ensure proper nutrition and color vibrancy.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Details about the reproduction habits of Desmopuntius Trifasciatus remain unrecorded. Adult males of this species are typically slightly smaller, slimmer, and exhibit more intense coloration compared to females.

Habitat and Distribution

Desmopuntius Trifasciatus is mostly found in peat swamps, blackwater streams, and still waters in Southeast Asia. They prefer areas with submerged grasses, aquatic plants, and dense riparian vegetation. This species is native to various locations in Borneo, including the Kapuas River system in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and rivers in Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan) and Kalimantan Selatan (South Kalimantan), as well as the Sadong River in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.