Fin's Fish Guide
The Melon barb (Desmopuntius johorensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The striped barb is a small cyprinid from oxygen-poor peat-swamp and forest-stream water of peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery to yellowish body with a few dark longitudinal stripes. It schools in soft, acidic, tea-coloured water and feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus. The fish is popular in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Melon barb?
The Melon barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Dark longitudinal stripes; schooling peat-swamp barb
Where does the Melon barb live?
The Melon barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia
How big does the Melon barb get?
The Melon barb grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Melon barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Melon barb is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Melon barb edible?
The Melon barb is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Desmopuntius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Melon barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Melon barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.