Fish that have either black bands or spots separated by golden or orange patches are often given the name “Clown,” and this species is no exception. When fully colored, it is a truly beautiful fish. It is not always as widely available as some other species, but when it is—and when it is displayed as a sizable shoal of fully mature fish—it almost sells itself. Unfortunately, males can take up to 18 months to mature and show their full colors, so the majority of specimens that are offered for sale are not as attractive as they will eventually become. It is therefore worth bearing this in mind when on the lookout for fish to buy and investing in the future by obtaining a small shoal of specimens, whatever their size.
Synonym
- Puntius everetti
Subfamily
- Cyprininae
Distribution
- Southeast Asia; Singapore, Kalimantan (Indonesia), Sarawak (Malaysia).
Size
- Up to 5in (13cm), but generally smaller.
Behavior
- Peaceful shoaler, but older (and larger) specimens may be aggressive toward small fish. Prefers the lower reaches of the aquarium and has a tendency to nibble tender plants.
Diet
- A wide range of livefoods and commercial diets is accepted; a vegetable supplement should be provided.
Aquarium
- Roomy with open swimming spaces and heavily planted areas. Soft, slightly acid water preferred, with regular partial water changes. Temperature range: 75-86°F (24-30°C).
Breeding
- Not an easy egg-scattering species to breed. Chances of success improve if potential fully mature breeders are kept apart for several weeks and conditioned well with livefoods and vegetable matter.
