🐟 African Banded Barb (Enteromius fasciolatus, formerly Barbus fasciolatus)
Freshwater Peaceful Schooling Barb • 10–15 Blue-Black Vertical Bars • Small, Active Community Fish
 
📋 The African Banded Barb, also sold as the Angola Barb, Blue-Barred Barb or Fire Barb, is a small African schooling barb marked with 10–15 blue-black vertical bars. Body colour runs from olive to bright red-gold depending on condition and mood. It was long sold under the name Barbus barilioides, and the species is now classified in the genus Enteromius.
It is peaceful toward other fish and usually ignores plants, so it suits planted community aquariums with tetras, rasboras and danios. It stays small, reaching only about 6cm.
Like most schooling fish, it is shy and dull in small numbers. Keep at least six, and ideally ten to twelve, for the best colour and behaviour. It prefers soft to moderately hard water and does not do well in very hard water.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Bold Vertical Bars: Blue-black banding on an olive to red-gold body
⚪ Peaceful: Suits community tanks with other small, calm fish
📏 Small: Around 6cm at full size
👥 Schooling Fish: Best in groups of 6 or more, ideally 10–12
🌿 Plant-Friendly: Usually ignores live plants