52 Aquatic Lite 
Barbus Conchonius 
ERNEST LEITHOLF 
The genus Barbus contains a_ great 
number of species, more than two hun- 
dred, and ranges through’ Kurope, Asia 
and Africa. The members vary in size 
from the giant Barbus mosal of the 
mountains of India, which is said to 
reach a length of six feet and to have 
scales as large as the palm of the hand, 
to the comparatively tiny species of the 
aquarist. Eleven species seem to have 
received attention in the aquarium, viz., 
Barbus conchonius 
B. chola, B. conchomus, B. gelius, B. 
lateristriga, B. maculatus, B. phutunio, 
B. semifasciolatus, B. ticto, B. trispilus, 
B. vittatus and B. camptocanthus. 
The common barbel, Barbus conchon- 
ius, is a native of India, where it reaches 
a length of about six inches. 
bred in the aquarium rarely exceed three 
to three and a half inches, the greatest 
size being attained in large tanks. The 
species is quite tenacious of life in con- 
finement, is not hard to breed, and may 
be carried through the winter months 
with little difficulty. It will stand such a 
low temperature as 55 degrees, but it will 
be well to keep it warmer. 
Both sexes are alike in colors, 
The 
Examples 
back is a rich olive green; sides silvery ; 
a black spot with a golden edge at the 
base of the caudal. The fins of the fe- 
male are colorless, while those of the 
male are suffused with orange red, the 
dorsal having a black dash at the tip. 
During the breeding periods the male 
presents a wonderful change. ‘The col- 
ors become intense, and the body takes 
on a rosy or brilliant red hue, through 
which the bright scales gleam like silver. 
A picture is presented that is bound to 
thrill and fascinate the observer. 
To breed the barbel a large densely 
planted tank should be provided. Few 
eggs will escape the maws of the adults 
if abundant plants are not provided to 
conceal them from their sharp eyes. 
While active at all times they become 
more so when spawning 1s soon to occur. 
This takes the form of a merry chase, 
the one after the other, along the sides 
of the tank with an occasional dash into 
the interior. Suddenly the female will 
head for the roots of a water hyacinth 
and, while passing through them, sud- 
denly turn and release a number of eggs, 
which are promptly fertilized by the male 
who is eagerly following for the purpose. 
The orgasm is repeated frequently dur- 
ing the day. Spawning may be resum- 
ed after an interval of a few days if 
the fish are in good condition and well 
fed in the meantime. 
The eggs, small and clear, will hatch 
in about 36 hours in a temperature of 
FO ton 7s) desneess hae winy, anemtimyaaina 
transparent, and for that reason are 
rather difficult to discern. With the 
usual abundant supply of infusoria, and 
later Daphne and other foods, they will 
develop to maturity in 
months. 
I find this barbel a very interesting 
member of my fish family. It is quite 
curious and will carefully inspect any 
iOwve 1® Sis 
(Concluded on page 56.) 
