{"product_id":"mascara-barb-dawkinsia-assimilis","title":"Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemarks:\u003c\/strong\u003e  The mascara barb (\u003cem\u003eDawkinsia assimilis\u003c\/em\u003e) 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.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e  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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperial Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"2-3\" Unsexed","offer_id":53692086124851,"sku":"H-54","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0764\/6524\/2419\/files\/MascaraBarbWebsite.jpg?v=1784733863","url":"https:\/\/imperialtropicals.com\/products\/mascara-barb-dawkinsia-assimilis","provider":"Imperial Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}