All fish / Cyprinidae

Jae Barb

Enteromius jae

Also known as jae barb, barbus jae, jae's barb, african dwarf barb

A tiny African barb from shaded rainforest streams, with males showing reddish fins and dark vertical bars that vary between populations. It is kept by enthusiasts of nano biotopes and soft-water fish for its lively displays and rarity.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3 cm

Temperature

20 to 25 °C

pH

5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp, plus fine flake

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

West and Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, DR Congo, Ghana

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine plants or moss in soft, acidic water and gives no parental care. Breeding has been achieved in small dedicated tanks, but the fry are tiny and need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Needs soft, acidic, cool and very clean water, and is shy alongside boisterous tankmates. Usually wild caught and sold by locality, so it is seldom available.