More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 10000 litres / 2641.72 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 70.0cm / 27.56inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 20.00dgH / 357ppm |
| pH | 5.5-8.0 |
Behaviour
The Hampala Barb captures prey using suction rather than aggressive biting, displaying peaceful behavior with tankmates it cannot swallow. However, due to its speed and feeding habits, slow-moving or timid companions may be outcompeted as they grow larger. It is recommended to maintain smaller specimens with suitable tankmates until they grow in size and dominance. It is a gregarious species that forms a pecking order within a group of five or more fish, showing pack-style behavior when feeding. In the aquarium, it is advised to keep them with similarly-sized cyprinids, characids, catfishes, and possibly larger botiid loaches.
Feeding and Diet
Primarily a predator, the Hampala Barb feeds on smaller fishes, insects, freshwater crustaceans, and plant material. While accepting dried foods, a diet of live and frozen foods is essential for its health. Smaller specimens can be fed chironomid larvae, earthworms, and prawns, while adults can consume larger prey like whole prawns, mussels, and whitebait. Overfeeding should be avoided as the species tends to gorge itself. It is crucial to refrain from feeding mammalian/avian meats or 'feeder' fish to prevent health complications.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Information on the reproductive habits of the Hampala Barb is currently unrecorded. Sexually mature females are likely to have a thicker body compared to males. Differentiating between species within the genus Hampala can be challenging, with distinctions in body markings that can fade in larger specimens. Possible new species may emerge in the future as research progresses.
Habitat and Distribution
Preferring clear, running water with various substrates, the Hampala Barb can adapt to different aquatic environments, including standing or flowing waters. During the rainy season, it migrates to inundated forest areas for feeding and spawning. Its distribution spans from Myanmar to regions in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southwestern China, down to Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sunda Islands. Artificial introductions have extended its reach to various water bodies as a popular food and sport fish.