Red Side Barb (Puntius bimaculatus)

Family: Cyprinidae

Red Side Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; keep at 22–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 22–24 °C
pH: 6–6.5
GH hardness: 8–15 dGH
Adult length: 5.2–7.7 cm
Minimum tank: 71 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Puntius bimaculatus of the family Cyprinidae is an aquarium-kept Cyprinidae. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins and omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 5.2–7.7 cm and prefers 22–24 °C water. Other Puntius species in our database include Puntius cauveriensis, Puntius chola, Puntius dorsalis.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow: Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape: Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants: Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Red Side Barb easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Red Side Barb need?

Set the heater to 22–24 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–6.5, GH 8–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Red Side Barb get, and what tank size?

Expect 5.2–7.7 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 71 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Red Side Barb eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Red Side Barb live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Red Side Barb come from?

It lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Red Side Barb jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Red Side Barb breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.