Tag Archives: Systomus

Systomus binduchitra

27. November 2020

For the first time we could import this beautiful barb from Burma. The largest scientifically known specimen of Systomus binduchitra (the species name comes from Sanskrit and means “spotted”) was 8 cm long including tail fin. Due to its close relationship to S. sarana, it can be assumed that it will probably grow somewhat larger in large aquaria over the years. In fact S. binduchitra was synonymous with S. sarana for decades.

They are very lively, extremely social animals, which one should absolutely care for in a school. It was hardly ever possible to have only one specimen in the picture, they stick together so closely. Otherwise, the usual rules of the barb-care apply, therefore here and there sandy ground to enable digging and varied nutrition, in which also vegetable components may not be missing. The water temperature can be in the range between 18 and 30°C, whereby a seasonal rhythm does the animals very well. The chemical composition of the water is rather indifferent, any drinking water is suitable for the care of S. binduchitra.

For our customers: the animals have code 369073 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Puntigrus anchisporus (= Barbus tetrazona) Gold Green Stripe

2. October 2018

About 10 years ago the breeders suddenly focussed again on the old-known tiger barb, whose scientific name is, by the way, Puntigrus anchisporus. Puntigrus tetrazona is a species that is practically never seen in the aquarium, the edges of its fins, which are coloured red in the tiger barb, are black. 

One of the new breeding forms that appeared at that time was the “Gold Green Stripe”. It still exists today and enjoys some popularity. The maintenance breeding of breeding forms is more demanding than that of wild forms, because if you make a mistake and the strain dies out, it has disappeared, while in wild species you can always fall back on specimens from nature.

Thus breeding forms are a good reflection of the breeding abilities of the farms involved and in the case of the “Gold Green Stripe” one must say – no matter whether one likes this special breeding form or not – the breeders master their craft! They are vital animals with excellent body and fin shape.

For our customers: the animals have code 372053 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer