Hypsibarbus wetmorei
The lemon barb, or as this freshwater fish is also called, the Hypsibarbus wetmorei, is widely distributed in mainland Southeast Asia, including the lower Mekong basin in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as various shallower watersheds in southern Thailand. The fish keep to the current near banks overgrown with aquatic vegetation. The fish are not found in standing water bodies such as reservoirs and lakes.
Hypsibarbus wetmorei has a silvery body colour. The scales on the body are dark-rimmed and rather large. The dorsal fin and tail plumage are colourless. The pectoral and anal fins are coloured lemon orange, which gave the fish its name. Sexual differences are poorly expressed. Females are larger than males and have a rounded abdomen. The maximum size of the fish is 20-25 cm.
The Hypsibarbus wetmorei is very mobile and requires plenty of free space to swim freely. The tank must have a capacity of at least 400 l and be 240 x 60 cm in size. In general, the main requirement for the interior design of the aquarium is a large area for free swimming, to the decorations are not special requirements. However, if you still want to arrange the aquarium so that it resembled the natural habitat of fish, in which case you should try to imitate the current river substrate of rocks and gravel of various sizes, place large stones and snags at the bottom, and the perimeter of the aquarium densely planted with plants.
Hypsibarbus wetmorei not aggressive if the aquarium is enough space, but may eat small fish and stick to the slow fish with voile or elongated fins. Keep barbs preferably in a group of at least 8 individuals.
Like many other barb species, Hypsibarbus wetmorei barbs do not tolerate the accumulation of organic matter, and require crystal clear water, full of oxygen. Water parameters: temperature 20-26° C, hardness dH 3-15°, pH 6.0-8.0. Requires good filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh.
In nature, the Hypsibarbus wetmorei feed on shrimps and snails. The fish can easily be fed in an aquarium - they will eat practically anything that is given to them. A varied menu including live and frozen food such as bloodworms, daphnia and artemia should be offered. They are also fed with dry pelleted and flaked food containing plant components. Feed the fish once or twice a day.
Reproduction
In aquarium conditions Hypsibarbus wetmorei not breed, although it is possible, but to achieve spawning is very difficult. Barbs are mainly bred in fish farms located in their habitat in nature.
Longevity of the Hypsibarbus wetmorei under aquarium conditions is 6-8 years.
