{"product_id":"rhombo-barb-desmopuntius-rhomboocellatus","title":"Rhombo Barb - Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRhombo Barb – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesmopuntius rhomboocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhombo Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a peaceful and attractive Bornean barb with warm body colour, dark rhomboid flank markings and lively shoaling behaviour. Correctly listed as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesmopuntius rhomboocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this species is also widely known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSnakeskin Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e because of the patterned markings across its sides. It is best kept in a mature planted aquarium with soft to moderately soft water, shaded areas and a proper group of its own kind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rhombo Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Snakeskin Barb, Rhomb Barb, Rhomboid Barb, Red Ocellated Barb, Orange Buffalo Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesmopuntius rhomboocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlder \/ Trade Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePuntius rhomboocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarbus rhomboocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Barb \/ Cyprinid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesmopuntius rhomboocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to Borneo, particularly West and Central Kalimantan in Indonesia. It is associated with soft, acidic forest waters, including peat swamp and blackwater-style habitats where leaf litter, submerged roots, shaded margins and aquatic vegetation provide cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Rhombo Barbs should be kept in a mature setup with plants, wood, floating cover and open swimming space. A darker substrate, subdued lighting and botanicals can help bring out their colour and make the group feel secure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhombo Barbs have a compact, laterally compressed barb shape with a warm orange, amber, gold or copper body tone. The flanks show distinctive dark rhomboid or snakeskin-like markings, which give the fish its recognisable patterned appearance. Colour and contrast improve when the fish are settled, well fed and kept in a good-sized group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in aquariums, although larger maximum sizes are recorded for the species. Females are often fuller-bodied, while males may show slightly stronger colour and slimmer body shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is well suited to peaceful planted community aquariums, soft-water Asian displays and specialist blackwater-style setups. It is a good alternative to more common barbs for customers wanting a calmer, more unusual shoaling fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhombo Barbs are not suitable for aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, tiny nano tanks, very hard alkaline-only setups or cramped aquariums with little swimming room. They should not be kept singly or in pairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e75–90 litres for a group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100 litres or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are preferred for bigger shoals and mixed communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e preferred. A proper group improves confidence, reduces stress and encourages natural swimming behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 23–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rhombo Barbs show best in clean, stable, mature water. Softer, slightly acidic conditions are ideal, especially for blackwater-style displays. Avoid sudden changes in pH, hardness or temperature, and maintain regular partial water changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhombo Barbs are peaceful community fish when kept in a suitable group. Suitable tank mates include peaceful rasboras, small to medium tetras, pencilfish, small gouramis, loaches, peaceful Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small plecs and other calm community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, severe fin-nippers, very boisterous barbs and slow delicate fish that may be stressed by active shoaling movement. Although much calmer than Tiger Barbs, they should still be kept with similarly peaceful, confident species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhombo Barbs are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small granules and micro pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and small bloodworm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA varied diet helps support colour, body condition and natural activity. Include occasional vegetable or algae-based foods for balance, especially in community aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species usually swims through the middle levels of the aquarium, moving in a loose group through plants and open areas. In a settled shoal, Rhombo Barbs are active without being overly aggressive, making them a good choice for peaceful planted displays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike other small barbs, they are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. If spawning occurs in a community aquarium, eggs and fry are usually eaten unless a separate breeding setup is used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Rhombo Barbs only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide plant cover, shaded areas, open swimming space and a proper group. Avoid bright bare tanks, unstable water quality and rough tank mates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species may look pale after transport or in exposed shop tanks, but settled fish usually develop stronger amber-orange tones and clearer rhomboid markings once kept in a calm planted aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist import or captive-bred batches when available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, orange colour, body tone, rhomboid markings, fin colour, sex and age can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43710390272074,"sku":"AG-103567","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43710390304842,"sku":"AG-103568","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43710390337610,"sku":"AG-103569","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/RhomboBarb-Desmopuntiusrhomboocellatus_1.jpg?v=1781627648","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/rhombo-barb-desmopuntius-rhomboocellatus","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}