Hard-lipped Barb

These individuals grow up to 30 cm in length. It is almost impossible to distinguish males from females by external signs. The fish's coloration is silvery, and horizontal rows of black dots run along its body, extending from the head to the tail. The caudal fin can be translucent or have a reddish tint, depending on the specific subspecies.

The natural habitat of this species covers most of Southeast Asia, including territories of modern states such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, as well as the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, and Java. The Hard-lipped Barb prefers to live in large and medium-sized rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, favoring areas with slow currents and soft substrate. During the rainy season, they migrate to flooded areas of tropical forests for spawning.

Despite their size, adult Hard-lipped Barbs are quite timid and can be easily frightened by smaller but aggressive species. They get along well with other active fish of similar or slightly smaller size. Very small aquarium inhabitants may accidentally become their prey, so it is not recommended to keep them with these giants. The Hard-lipped Barb is a schooling fish; within the group, a peculiar hierarchy forms, including dominant and subdominant individuals. Therefore, fish should be kept in groups of at least 5 individuals to avoid aggression towards other species.

For keeping this species, an aquarium of impressive volume, at least 600 liters, is necessary. The Hard-lipped Barb feels better in dim lighting, so in addition to a low-power lighting system, it is recommended to use floating plants that create additional shading. Soft sand is preferred as a substrate, and large snags, roots, and tree branches are suitable for bottom decor. Rooted plants should not be planted directly into the substrate; it is better to use special pots for them, which are then embedded in the substrate. Essential equipment includes a filtration system appropriate for the tank volume, an aerator, heaters, and a combination of lamps. Water conditions should maintain a weak internal current, low content of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts (dGH indicator), and a pH level close to neutral. More detailed information on pH and dGH parameters can be found in the section "Hydrochemical composition of water." Aquarium care involves weekly water changes of 20–25% of the volume with fresh water, as well as regular cleaning of the substrate from organic waste and removal of plaque from the glass.

Belonging to omnivorous species, the Hard-lipped Barb readily consumes all types of food — dry, frozen, and live, especially with vegetable additives. The main requirement for food is that it must be sinking, not remaining on the water surface. In search of food, these fish constantly dig up the bottom, which can lead to damage to plant roots and consumption of delicate young shoots. Feeding is recommended two to three times a day, giving an amount of food that the fish can eat in 5 minutes.

In Southeast Asia, these fish are bred on special fish farms for commercial purposes. Reproduction of the Hard-lipped Barb in home aquariums is practically impossible.

This species possesses exceptional endurance. Health problems, if they arise, are in most cases directly related to unsuitable keeping conditions or poor-quality food. If signs of illness are detected, first of all, the water parameters and quality should be thoroughly checked, corrected to normal if necessary, and only then should treatment begin. More detailed information on symptoms and treatment methods is presented in the section "Diseases of Aquarium Fish."

When selecting individuals, attention should be paid to their activity and the absence of visible damage, such as ulcers, white spots, or fin rot. The fish should show interest in its surroundings, rather than constantly hiding in the corners of the aquarium. Avoid purchasing specimens with signs of emaciation or an unnaturally bloated abdomen.

• prefer individuals with clear eyes and intact scales
• check how the fish react to food in the store to ensure their healthy appetite
• clarify the keeping conditions in the retail aquarium, as stress from transportation and changes in water parameters can negatively affect the species' adaptation