Desmopuntius hexazona. WEBER & BEAUFORT, 1912. Synonyms: Barbus hexazona Weber & de Beaufort, 1912; Puntius hexazona (Weber & de Beaufort, 1912); Systomus hexazona (Weber & de Beaufort,1912) Common name: ‘Pentazona’ Barb
Native to parts of southern Borneo, eastern Sumatra, Singapore, and the Malay Peninsula. It is considered highly endangered in Singapore and also in Sumatra due to degradation of environment by human activities and over collection.This species is an inhabitant of warm tannic dyed waters with significant plant growth, both emerged and submerged plants. Cryptocoryne and Barclaya are found in this species habitat range. Driftwood snags and a well planted tank would be appropriate decor for this fish in a blackwater biotope.Live foods like Artemia, bloodworms, daphnia, and other appropriately sized foods, live or frozen will condition this species. A high quality dried food will help round out the diet.Water conditions are as follows: Temperature: 20 – 26 °C pH: 4.0 – 7.0 Hardness: 18 – 90 ppmThis is a peaceful shoaling fish which should be kept in a group of at least 8, or more. Females are more robust and fuller, compared to males, which are slimmer. Its suitability for a blackwater community tank is exemplary and suitable tankmates would be open water, gentle Anabantoids, and peaceful cyprinids like rasboras and loaches.Reproduction should be done in a pre- set up tank with matured soft water with spawning mops or fine leaves plants with gentle sponge filtration, or other gentle filtration. These barbs are egg scatterers and the parents should be removed to prevent them eating their spawn. The eggs hatch within 24-36hrs and are free swimming within 3-4 days. Infusoria, microworms, Artemia nauplii, or other small live foods are perfect for this species.Source: http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/desmopuntius-hexazona/