Bring a vibrant flash of color and active energy to your nano tank with the stunning Glowlight Pygmy Barb! Known for its striking, iridescent golden-orange stripe that runs horizontally across its body, this peaceful schooling fish is a favorite among planted tank enthusiasts and aquascaping hobbyists. Growing to a maximum size of just over an inch, they are the ideal choice for nano setups, desktop aquariums, and community tanks.

Key Care & Habitat Guide

• Place of Origin: Native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained forest streams, peat swamps, and blackwater habitats of Southeast Asia (primarily Indonesia, Malaysia, and Borneo).

• Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons for a small school of 6 to 8 fish. Due to their active nature, they appreciate horizontal swimming space.

• Environment: Replicate their natural blackwater habitat with a densely planted aquarium, driftwood, and dried botanicals or Indian almond leaves. Use a dark substrate to make their signature glowing neon stripe pop, and provide subdued lighting with gentle water flow.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 79°F)

  • pH: 5.5 – 6.8 (Prefers slightly acidic, soft water)

  • Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH

• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous and eager eaters. Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops to bring out their best coloration.

• Tank Mates: Exceptionally peaceful schooling fish. Keep them in groups of at least 6 individuals to reduce skittishness and observe natural social behaviors. Excellent tank mates include other nano species like chili rasboras, neon tetras, pygmy corydoras, and freshwater shrimp (like Cherry or Amano shrimp). Avoid housing them with large, aggressive, or predatory fish.

• Breeding: Egg scatterers. Breeding is moderately achievable in a dedicated species-only breeding tank featuring fine-leaved plants (like Java Moss) or spawning mops, soft acidic water, and dim lighting. Adults should be removed after spawning as they will readily eat their own eggs.