Five-Banded Barb: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank do five-banded barbs need?

At least 19 gallons (72 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Desmopuntius pentazona.

How many five-banded barbs in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if five-banded barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many five-banded barbs
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	Too small
20 gallon long	up to 8
29 gallon	up to 12
40 gallon breeder	up to 16
55 gallon	up to 22
75 gallon	up to 31
125 gallon	up to 52

Check five-banded barbs against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, five-banded barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.

Tank mates for five-banded barbs

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Guppy: They need different water: Five-banded barb likes a pH of 4–7, guppy likes 7–8.2.
Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as five-banded barb.
Molly: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.

Questions and answers

What size tank do five-banded barbs need?

At least 19 gallons (72 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many five-banded barbs should be kept together?

At least 6. Five-banded barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. A group of 8 or more is better if the tank has room.

Can five-banded barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Five-banded barb needs at least 19 gallons (72 liters).

What temperature do five-banded barbs need?

70–79 °F (21–26 °C), with a pH of 4–7. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can five-banded barbs live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 19 gallons (72 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.