Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Snakeskin Barb

Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus

Also called Puntius rhomboocellatus, Barbus rhomboocellatus, Systomus rhomboocellatus

SpeciesShort profile

From Asia: endemic to western, central and southern Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo)1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length5.5 to 8.8 cm1 2 3

Sizesmall

Seriously Fish gives 5.5 cm maximum standard length; FishBase and Wikipedia give 8.8 cm maximum total length

Unusual snakeskin-like pattern

Peaceful schooling barb

Compact size for medium tanks

3 1

Looks how to spot one

Small scaled cyprinid (barb)

A small barb whose sides are patterned with diamond-shaped, ring-like markings that resemble snake scales, which gives it its name. It also has dark bars, including one through the eye and one at the base of the tail. Males are slimmer and more richly coloured.3 1

Coloursrhomboid ring markings on the flanksdark vertical bars3 1

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and a little shy, it settles best in a calm community of similar-sized Southeast Asian fish and colours up once it feels secure in a group.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active schooling fish that appreciates a planted tank with sheltered spots and open swimming space.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Seriously Fish suggests a tank base of at least 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres). Soft water is preferred: Seriously Fish gives 20 to 28 C, pH 4.0 to 7.0 and 1 to 5 dGH; FishBase gives 23 to 28 C and pH 6.5 to 7.5.1 2

Home where they are happiest

Wild fish come from peat swamps and forest blackwater streams stained brown by tannins, with submerged plants and dense bankside growth. Dim light, wood, leaf litter and plants make a good aquarium match.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator that eats small insects, worms and crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium it takes dried foods but does best with regular small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp.1

Company who they like around

Keep in a group of at least eight to ten to help it feel settled.1

The story where it all began

Koumans described the snakeskin barb in 1940 from Borneo. Long listed as Puntius rhomboocellatus, it was moved to the genus Desmopuntius by Kottelat in 2013.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its scientific name refers to the rhomb-shaped eye-spot markings along its flanks, the same feature behind its snakeskin nickname.3
2
Its genus name comes from a Greek word for prisoner, a reference to the barred pattern.2
3
In the wild it lives in tea-coloured blackwater stained by humic acids from peat swamps.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (LC), March 20202
Scientific description: Described by Koumans in 19402

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Snakeskin Barb. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Snakeskin Barb?

Feed your Snakeskin Barb small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feedings to keep it healthy and active.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Snakeskin Barb eat, and what should it never eat?

In the wild it eats small insects, worms and crustaceans. In the aquarium it takes dried foods but does best with regular small live or frozen foods like Daphnia and brine shrimp. The input does not specify what it should never eat; ask a vet or good breeder for a safe list.1

How much space does a Snakeskin Barb need?

A tank base of at least 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres) is suggested. This gives your active schooling fish room to swim and feel secure.1

What temperature, light or water does a Snakeskin Barb need?

Keep water temperature between 20 and 28°C, with soft, acidic water (pH 4.0, 7.0, hardness 1, 5 dGH). Dim lighting and a planted tank with wood and leaf litter mimic its natural blackwater habitat.1 2

How often should I clean a Snakeskin Barb's home?

Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. This keeps the water quality stable for your fish. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Snakeskin Barb live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful and shy, best kept in a group of at least eight to ten. It thrives in a calm community with similar-sized Southeast Asian fish.1

How long does a Snakeskin Barb live?

The input does not give a specific lifespan. This can vary with care; ask a vet or experienced breeder for typical longevity.

Can I handle a Snakeskin Barb?

The input does not cover handling. Fish are delicate and should not be handled; if you need to move your Snakeskin Barb, use a soft net gently and ask a vet or good breeder for advice.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish: Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus seriouslyfish.comused for distribution, size, care parameters, diet, behaviour, habitat, history
FishBase: Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus summary fishbase.seused for IUCN status, describer, max length, water parameters, etymology
Wikipedia: Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, flank markings

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.