Clown Barbs can add zest and life to any aquarium. This extremely active fish will keep an onlooker captivated for hours. They are especially pleasant when in schools of five or more. Clown Barbs are also hardy and easy to take care of, which makes them great for beginners or a low maintenance tank.

Clown Barbs, when juvenile, are a peaceful fish. In general, Clown Barbs will live in harmony in community tanks. However, when they reach their full size, they should only be kept with similar sized fish. Also, they are an active fish and should not be kept with docile fish, such as Angel Fish. Clown Barbs like a tank with plenty of swimming space and moderate amounts of rock and plant decorations. The Clown Barb will not bother live plants.

The Clown Barb is one of the larger Barbs. It will only reach a size of four to five inches at maturity. Clown Barbs are pinkish with large black irregular spotting patterns. They have wedge shaped bodies. Females are fatter than the males, while the males are brighter than the females.

Clown Barbs are from Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Borneo, the Bungarian Islands, and Thailand.

Clown Barbs do not require any special attention and are rather hardy. They need their water to be between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Clown Barbs do best in slightly acidic water, with a pH in the range of six to seven. They like to eat live and frozen food, such as blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp, plankton, daphnia, and vegetables. They will eat flake and freeze dried foods, as well.

Clown Barbs are egglayers. When spawning, the female's girth will increase. It is recommended that the two sexes be separated for a few weeks prior to a breeding attempt. Also, older males will be more productive than younger males. Live foods, and a neutral pH will stimulate breeding.