Lipstick Barb

A small barb from northern Myanmar, in which males have bright red lips and a dark body, and also traded as the Tulip Barb. Males can fight among themselves, so it needs a larger group.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature females are usually rounder in the belly, and males are usually slimmer and often brighter.

A long tank with open swimming water, plants around the edges and steady filtration suits this fish. A darker substrate and some floating plants usually bring out its colour.

Active and social, and most settled when kept with its own kind.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can. Larger groups are calmer and show better colour and behaviour.

Not territorial, although males may spar and display.

Suits a community of similar-sized, peaceful fish that like the same water. Avoid large predators, which will treat it as food. It may nip the fins of slow or long-finned fish, and a larger group usually reduces this. It may eat baby shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Keep the pH steady, because this fish is sensitive to swings. This fish prefers cooler water than most tropical fish, and it may not need a heater in a warm room.

A small, peaceful barb with a small mouth. Fine flake, micro pellets and frozen daphnia suit it best.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.