More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 240 litres / 63.40 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 11.0cm / 4.33inches |
| Temperature | 18°C / 64.40°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 12.05dgH / 215ppm |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
General Description
Opsarius Pulchellus, also known as the butterfly barb, mackerel barb, green-barred danio, or royal opsarius, is a species traded for aquariums, distinguished by 37-43 lateral line scales, 21-25 predorsal scales, and 7-10 vertical bars on each flank. Classified under the order Cypriniformes and family Cyprinidae, it reaches a maximum size of 11.0cm.
Aquarium Setup
The recommended tank setup for Opsarius Pulchellus includes a design mimicking a flowing stream or river, with a substrate of rocks, sand, gravel, and water-worn boulders. Consider adding driftwood, roots, and branches while maintaining ample swimming space. Hardy aquatic plants like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be attached to decor. Clean water, high oxygen levels, and moderate water movement are essential. Regular water changes and a secure cover are crucial due to the species' jumping behavior.
Behaviour
Opsarius Pulchellus is unsuitable for community tanks due to its environmental requirements and fast swimming nature, which may intimidate slower species during feeding. It needs to be kept in groups of five or more to establish a pecking order and prevent aggression. Suitable tankmates include similarly-sized, robust cyprinids like Dawkinsia, Barilius, larger Devario, Rasbora, as well as bottom-dwellers like Garra, Crossocheilus, Botia, and Schistura spp.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, Opsarius Pulchellus primarily feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects, with supplements of small fishes and benthic invertebrates. In captivity, it accepts high-quality dried foods but should also be provided with live and frozen options such as chironomid larvae, Artemia, earthworms, fruit flies, and crickets to ensure a varied diet.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Information on the reproduction of Opsarius Pulchellus is unreported. Mature males develop elongated fins and breeding tubercles, with bright yellow-orange pigmentation on their lower body parts. Females are less colorful, grow slightly larger, and have a thicker body when gravid. Males may become aggressive if kept in small numbers.
Habitat and Distribution
Naturally found in submontane headwaters, Opsarius Pulchellus inhabits well-oxygenated, fast-flowing rivers with gravel, cobbles, and exposed bedrock. Its distribution includes the Chao Phraya river system in Thailand, the Mekong basins in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and sporadically in Yunnan province, China. The species' type locality is the 'Mekang River at Pang Chao, northern Thailand.'