Description

This species is very peaceful indeed making it an ideal resident of the well-maintained community tank and an unreserved recommendation for those new to fishkeeping.

As it places no special demands in terms of water chemistry it can be combined with many of the most popular fish in the hobby including other small cyprinids as well as tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, catfishes, and loaches.

A well-chosen community based around fish native to Peninsular Malaysia would also make an attractive display with some of the more commonly exported examples include ‘Puntius‘ lineatus, ‘P.‘ pentazona, Trigonopoma pauciperforatum, T. gracile, Rasbora einthovenii, Brevibora dorsiocellata and Pangio spp.

As always thorough research is essential when choosing tankmates and its small adult size must be a consideration. It also makes an ideal companion for shy anabantoids such as Sphaerichthys or the more diminutive Betta spp.

It’s a schooling species by nature and really should be kept in a group of at least 8-10 specimens.

Maintaining it in decent numbers will not only make the fish less nervous but will result in a more effective, natural-looking display. Males will also display their best colours as they compete with one other for female attention.