Our Guide To Keeping Mascara Barb

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Dawkinsia assimilis
   • Common name: Mascara Barb
   • Family: Cyprinidae
   • Origin: India, especially clear streams and river systems in the Western Ghats
   • Adult length: 10 to 12 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-active

2. Tank Setup:

   • Mascara Barbs are active schooling fish that need a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room. A minimum tank size of around 200L is recommended for a small group.
   • They do best in a well-maintained aquarium with open swimming space, smooth rocks, driftwood, and hardy plants around the edges.
   • A river-style setup with rounded stones, sand or fine gravel, and areas of moderate flow will help mimic their natural habitat.
   • Keep them in groups of at least six individuals, although larger groups are better for reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviour.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Mascara Barbs prefer clean, stable water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 20 to 26°C.
   • They appreciate good oxygen levels and regular partial water changes, especially as they are active fish that do best in fresh, well-filtered water.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A moderate level of filtration and water movement is suitable for Mascara Barbs, as they naturally come from flowing stream and river habitats.
   • Use a filter that provides strong biological filtration and steady circulation without creating excessive turbulence throughout the whole aquarium.
   • An additional air stone or wavemaker can be used in larger aquariums to improve oxygenation, provided calmer areas are still available.

5. Diet:

   • Mascara Barbs are omnivores and will accept a varied diet of quality flakes, granules, and small pellets as a staple food.
   • Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and chopped krill.
   • Include some vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes, algae-based foods, or blanched greens to support balanced nutrition and natural grazing behaviour.

6. Tank mates:

   • Mascara Barbs are generally peaceful but active, so they are best kept with robust community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
   • Suitable tank mates include larger peaceful barbs, danios, rainbowfish, loaches, medium-sized tetras, peaceful catfish, and other active community species.
   • Avoid very small, slow-moving, long-finned, or timid fish, as they may become stressed by the Mascara Barb’s activity level.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Mascara Barbs are lively schooling fish that spend much of their time swimming in the middle areas of the aquarium.
   • Males may display to each other, especially when in breeding condition, but serious aggression is usually reduced when they are kept in a good-sized group.
   • They are best suited to larger community aquariums where they have enough space to swim and interact naturally.
   • Keeping them in too small a group can lead to nervous behaviour or increased chasing, so a proper shoal is strongly recommended.