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Martorell's barb

Enteromius martorelli

Also known as Barbus martorelli, Martorelli barb

FreshwaterFish

Martorell's barb (Enteromius martorelli)

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
3.5 in
9 cm
Minimum tank
24 gal
90 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cyprinidae
Origin
Cameroon and Gabon

Overview

Martorell's barb is a small, peaceful barb from west-central Africa that suits a planted community tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

Martorell's barb was once filed under the giant catch-all genus Barbus, like most of west-central Africa's little barbs. It moved to Enteromius only recently, and that genus now holds several hundred small African species.

Caring for the Martorell's barb

Keep Martorell's barbs in a group of at least six, in a planted tank of 24 gal (90 L) or more. Add driftwood and some leaf litter, and leave clear swimming lanes. Gentle to moderate current and some shade from plants or wood suit this stream fish.

This barb is soft-water by nature and does not fare well in hard water. Keep it at 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and soft to moderately soft water. It is an unfussy omnivore that takes flake, small pellets and frozen foods readily.

Martorell's barbs are peaceful, active schooling fish for the middle of the tank. They settle in beside other African species such as Congo tetras and kribs without trouble. Aquarium breeding is not documented, though small barbs of this kind are generally egg scatterers.

Good to know

Enteromius martorelli is a member of the carp family, Cyprinidae, and one of the many small barbs of the Lower Guinea forests. It is silvery gold, with a dark line along the flank.

In the wild

Martorell's barb comes from the forest streams and rivers of Lower Guinea in west-central Africa, across Cameroon, Gabon and neighboring drainages.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Martorell's barb is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Martorell's barb need?

A Martorell's barb needs at least 24 gal (90 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Martorell's barb need?

A Martorell's barb is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a Martorell's barb eat?

A Martorell's barb is an unfussy omnivore and readily takes flake, small pellets and frozen foods.

How big does a Martorell's barb get?

An adult Martorell's barb reaches about 3.5 in (9 cm).

Does a Martorell's barb need a group?

Yes. A Martorell's barb is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does a Martorell's barb breed?

Martorell's barbs have no documented aquarium breeding. Small barbs of their kind are generally egg scatterers.

Related species