Dawkinsia assimilis
Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis)
Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis)
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Remarks: The mascara barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) is a large, colorful, and highly active species coveted by many fishkeepers. Juvenile fish are silver or tan in color with a blue-green iridescent sheen and a large black blotch on the flanks just above the anal fin. Near the tip of each point of the caudal (tail) fin, there is also a red spot followed by a black spot. As the fish matures, both males and females will begin to develop a black spot right behind the eye, a line of red spots along the lateral line, a bright orange or gold top half, a pearly white bottom half, and a flash of vibrant red on the dorsal fin and the top of the head. While both sexes are very similar, mature males can be identified by having especially bright colors, filaments on the edges of the dorsal fin, and tubercules on the head when spawning.
The known native range of the mascara barb is only within the southwestern Indian states of Karnataka and Kerala making them endemic to those areas. Despite having such a restricted range, they can be found in a variety of habitats from muddy banks with sluggish currents to clear rapids that rush over a rocky substrate. What is shared amongst this assortment of habitats is that the waters are soft, mildly acidic, free of pollutants, and well-oxygenated even in areas with slow flow. Within the home aquarium, mascara barbs will tolerate some deviation when it comes to the pH and hardness to the point they can do just fine in moderate conditions. However, what they will not tolerate is poor water quality or low oxygen levels. Provide plenty of filtration as well as oxygenation through the use of filters and aerators while performing frequent water changes to keep these barbs healthy.
Feeding your mascara barbs is very simple as they are not picky. Being voracious omnivores, they will typically take almost any food offered. It should be noted, though, that mascara barbs have very small mouths compared to the rest of their bodies. To accommodate this, feed smaller foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, small flakes, and small pellets. Feeding a variety of foods will not only improve the coloration of your barbs, but will also help prevent deficiencies in their diet.
Mascara barbs are generally peaceful but can become nippy and might stress out more timid species with their active behavior. Since they are a very social species that naturally lives in massive schools, nipping behaviors and general stress will become far worse if they are not kept in large enough groups. To avoid this, have no less than 6 mascara barbs with 8-10 or more being ideal. Not only will larger groups be less likely to harass tankmates, but having plenty of these barbs will also encourage fascinating behaviors such as sparring and courting as well as better coloration from males. So long as these needs are met, mascara barbs can be enjoyed in a community setting or in a species only tank.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: India
- Breeding: Tank-raised in Indonesia
- Max adult size: 4-5"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Peaceful
- Care skill: Beginner
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 68°F - 78°F
- pH range: 6.0 - 7.5
- TDS range: 25 ppm - 200 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee