Lined Barb, Striped Barb (Puntius lineatus) — 3,5-4,5cm

Overview

The Lined Barb (Puntius lineatus), also known as the Striped Barb, is a charming small cyprinid that brings understated elegance and lively activity to well-planted community aquariums. Native to freshwater systems across South and Southeast Asia, this peaceful schooling species displays subtle horizontal striping along its sleek body, making it an attractive choice for aquarists seeking active mid-water movement without overwhelming colour. Growing to a modest 4cm, the Lined Barb is an excellent addition to peaceful community setups and is available for sale UK-wide through specialist suppliers. Its easy care requirements, peaceful temperament, and shoaling behavior make it ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists looking to add dynamic movement to planted tanks.

Appearance

Puntius lineatus is a slender, streamlined barb with a silvery-gold base coloration adorned with fine horizontal stripes running the length of its body. These stripes may appear more pronounced under subdued lighting or when the fish is comfortable in well-planted surroundings. The fins are typically translucent with occasional hints of yellow or orange, particularly in mature specimens. Males may display slightly brighter coloration and more defined striping during spawning periods, while females tend to be rounder when full of eggs. The overall effect is one of subtle beauty rather than bold display, making the Lined Barb a perfect complement to more colorful tankmates. The species' small adult size and peaceful demeanor mean it rarely intimidates other fish, and its active swimming style keeps the mid-water column lively throughout the day.

Natural Habitat

The exact native range of Puntius lineatus in the aquarium trade remains somewhat uncertain, but it is generally associated with freshwater streams, rivers, and tributaries across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. In the wild, these barbs inhabit slow to moderately flowing waters with sandy or fine gravel substrates, dense marginal vegetation, and overhanging riparian cover. They are typically found in small shoals that move together through shaded areas, feeding on insects, larvae, and plant matter. Water conditions in their natural habitat are usually soft to moderately hard with neutral to slightly acidic pH, and temperatures fluctuate seasonally. During the monsoon, water levels rise and the fish may move into flooded grasslands and shallow pools where food is abundant. Understanding these natural conditions helps aquarists replicate an environment that supports the Lined Barb's health, color, and natural shoaling behavior in captivity.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum tank size of 80 litres is recommended for a small group of Lined Barbs, though larger aquariums of 100 litres or more are preferable if you wish to keep a proper shoal of 8-10 individuals alongside other community species. The aquarium should be well-filtered to maintain clean, oxygen-rich water, with gentle to moderate flow that mimics their natural riverine environment. A soft sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal, and the tank should be well-planted with hardy species such as Java Fern, Anubias, Vallisneria, and Cryptocoryne to provide cover and help reduce stress. Open swimming areas in the center and front of the tank allow the barbs to display their active, schooling behavior, while driftwood, smooth stones, and dried leaves can add natural tannins and create additional hiding spots. Lighting should be moderate; too-bright conditions may cause the fish to become skittish. A well-fitted lid or cover glass is essential, as small barbs may jump when startled or during spawning activity.

Water Parameters

Puntius lineatus thrives in stable water conditions with a temperature range of 21-25°C, making it suitable for unheated or gently heated aquariums in temperate climates. The pH should be maintained between 6.0 and 7.8, with soft to moderately hard water (GH 5-15°dGH) preferred. Regular partial water changes of 20-30% weekly are essential to keep nitrate levels low and maintain water quality, as barbs are sensitive to poor conditions and may show stress through loss of color or lethargy. Good filtration and surface agitation ensure adequate oxygenation, which is particularly important for active schooling species. Avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature or chemistry, as these can weaken the fish and make them more susceptible to disease. Test water parameters regularly, especially during the first few months after setup, to ensure the tank remains stable and within the species' preferred range.

Feeding

Lined Barbs are omnivorous and accept a wide variety of foods in the aquarium. A high-quality flake or micro-pellet food should form the staple diet, supplemented regularly with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae. These protein-rich foods help maintain condition, enhance coloration, and encourage natural foraging behavior. Occasional vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach, spirulina flakes, or algae wafers, provides dietary fiber and supports digestive health. Feed small amounts two to three times daily, offering only what the fish can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. In a well-planted tank, the barbs will also graze on biofilm and microorganisms growing on plant leaves and surfaces. Varied feeding not only keeps the fish healthy but also stimulates their natural foraging instincts and ensures balanced nutrition for long-term vitality.

Behaviour

Puntius lineatus is a peaceful, active schooling species that spends most of its time in the mid-water levels of the aquarium. When kept in proper groups, the fish exhibit confident, natural behavior, swimming together in loose formations and exploring all areas of the tank. Solitary or poorly grouped individuals may become shy, hide frequently, and show reduced activity and coloration. The Lined Barb is generally non-aggressive and will not harass other tankmates, making it an excellent choice for peaceful community setups. During feeding times, the shoal becomes more animated, darting quickly to intercept food particles and displaying impressive coordination. Occasional mild chasing within the group is normal and rarely results in injury; this is part of their natural social structure. Provide plenty of swimming space and avoid overcrowding, as cramped conditions can lead to stress and increased susceptibility to disease.

Tank Mates

The Lined Barb's peaceful nature and small size make it compatible with a wide range of similarly sized, non-aggressive community species. Ideal tankmates include other small peaceful barbs, danios, rasboras, small tetras such as Neon or Ember Tetras, and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish and small loaches. Avoid housing them with large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, or fin-nipping species that may stress or injure the barbs. Very slow-moving or long-finned fish such as Bettas and fancy Guppies are also unsuitable, as the barbs' active swimming may intimidate them or provoke aggression. Invertebrates such as larger shrimp (Amano, Cherry) and snails (Nerite, Mystery) generally coexist peacefully, though very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. When selecting tankmates, prioritize species with similar water parameter requirements and peaceful temperaments to create a harmonious, stress-free community environment.

Breeding

Breeding Puntius lineatus in the home aquarium is achievable with proper preparation and attention to detail. Like most cyprinids, this species is an egg-scatterer, releasing adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. A separate breeding tank of 40-60 litres with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5) and a temperature around 24-25°C is recommended. Condition the breeding group with high-quality live and frozen foods for 1-2 weeks before introducing them to the spawning setup. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning, with the female releasing eggs that are immediately fertilized by the male. Remove the adults promptly after spawning, as they will readily consume their own eggs. The eggs hatch within 24-36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after another 2-3 days. Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially, progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow. Maintain excellent water quality and perform small, frequent water changes to support healthy fry development.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we specialize in supplying healthy, acclimatized freshwater species from trusted suppliers across the UK. Our Lined Barbs are quarantined, carefully inspected, and conditioned to ensure they arrive in peak health and ready to thrive in your aquarium. We provide expert guidance on stocking, compatibility, and care requirements, helping you build a balanced, vibrant community tank. All fish are packed with care using insulated boxes and heat packs (when required) to ensure safe delivery. With decades of combined experience in the hobby, our team is here to support you every step of the way, from choosing the right species to ongoing advice on husbandry and maintenance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, Tropical Fish Co is your trusted partner for quality livestock and outstanding customer service.