{"product_id":"freshwater-fish-uk-for-sale-eirmotus-octozona-2-5-4078","title":"Eirmotus octozona 2,5 - (Eirmotus octozona) — 2,5-3cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEight-Banded Barb\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eEirmotus octozona\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, peaceful Southeast Asian barb with attractive banding that thrives in planted community aquariums. Native to peat swamp and blackwater habitats of Borneo and nearby regions, this species is prized for its delicate beauty, manageable size, and easygoing temperament. Now available \u003cstrong\u003efor sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e from Tropical Fish Co, this charming nano barb is ideal for the soft-water enthusiast seeking a peaceful shoaling species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Eight-Banded Barb is extremely small, typically reaching around 2.5 cm in total length. The body is elongated and silvery, marked with approximately eight vertical dark bands along the flanks, which give the species its common name. The fins are delicate and transparent, often showing subtle hints of color in well-conditioned specimens. Females are generally more robust and slightly paler. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eEirmotus octozona\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits peat swamp and blackwater habitats in Borneo and nearby regions of Southeast Asia. These waters are typically very soft, acidic, and heavily stained with tannins from decomposing leaf litter and peat. The substrate is composed of fine mud and organic matter, and the water is often still or slow-moving, with dense aquatic vegetation providing cover. Light levels are low due to the heavy tannin staining and forest canopy above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small, well-planted aquarium of at least 45 litres is recommended for a shoal of Eight-Banded Barbs. Use a fine, dark substrate and incorporate plenty of live plants such as Java moss, Java fern, and \u003cem\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/em\u003e species, along with floating plants to provide cover and reduce lighting. Add driftwood or dried leaves to replicate the tannin-rich waters of their natural habitat. Filtration should be gentle but effective, and a tightly fitting lid is essential, as small cyprinids can jump. Subdued lighting and minimal water movement will help the fish settle and display their best colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23-27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0-8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft water preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle flow, excellent water quality essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Eight-Banded Barb is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes as a staple, supplemented with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Feed twice daily in small amounts to maintain excellent water quality and prevent overfeeding. A varied, balanced diet will enhance coloration and support breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis barb is peaceful, active, and social, constantly on the move and best kept in a shoal of at least six individuals. When kept in proper numbers, the Eight-Banded Barb is confident and displays natural schooling behavior. Solitary specimens may become shy or stressed. Males may engage in mild displays during spawning, but serious aggression is rare. They occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium and are most active during feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a proper group to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. This species does best in a mature, well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting and gentle filtration.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Eight-Banded Barb is suitable for a peaceful nano or community aquarium with other small fish. Good tankmates include small peaceful rasboras, small tetras, peaceful small loaches, small \u003cem\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/em\u003e species, and other very peaceful, similarly sized community fish. Avoid large predatory fish, fin-nipping species, aggressive cichlids, large barbs, and very boisterous fast-moving fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding the Eight-Banded Barb is likely achievable with careful preparation. This is likely an egg-scattering species that may spawn among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in a separate breeding tank. Condition adults with rich live and frozen foods, and provide soft, clean water. Adults may eat eggs, so a separate breeding tank is recommended. Soft, clean water and live foods can help trigger spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering rare and beautiful nano species like the Eight-Banded Barb direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add peaceful, attractive species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427508363599,"sku":"4078","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/eirmotus-octozona-25-eirmotus-octozona-25-3cm-hero-driftwood-4078.webp?v=1776549803","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/freshwater-fish-uk-for-sale-eirmotus-octozona-2-5-4078","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}