Spanner T Barb (Barbodes lateristriga)

Add a touch of architectural elegance to your aquarium with the Spanner T Barb. Named for the distinct "T" or "spanner-wrench" shape formed by the dark vertical and horizontal bars on its shimmering silver flanks, this fish is a standout choice for hobbyists seeking a large, active, and hardy species.

Native to the forest streams of Southeast Asia, these barbs are known for their energetic personalities and impressive schooling behavior. Whether you are a seasoned aquarist or looking to upgrade to a larger community setup, the Spanner T Barb is a rewarding and visually striking addition.

Quick Care Stats

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra)

• Adult Size: 5–7 inches (13–18 cm)

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

• Minimum Tank Size: 55+ Gallons

• Diet: Omnivore

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (primarily due to size and activity)

Environment & Tank Setup

To mimic their natural riverine habitats, Spanner T Barbs thrive in well-oxygenated water with a moderate current. Because they are powerful swimmers, they require plenty of open swimming space.

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.

• Decor: Use driftwood and large rocks to create hiding spots. While they won't typically eat your plants, they are active enough to uproot delicate species; opt for hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Bolbitis.

• Water Conditions: * Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)

  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5

  • Hardness: 5–15 dGH

Feeding & Nutrition

Spanner T Barbs are unfussy omnivores. In the wild, they feed on insects, worms, and plant matter. In the home aquarium, provide a varied diet to maintain their health and vibrant coloration:

• Primary: High-quality sinking pellets or flakes.

• Treats: Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

• Vegetation: Occasional blanched spinach or spirulina-based wafers.

Tank Mates

While not overtly aggressive, their size and speed can stress out small or timid fish. They are best kept in schools of 5 or more to reduce nipping and encourage natural behavior. Ideal tank mates include:

• Other large barbs (Rosy or Tiger Barbs)

• Medium-sized Cichlids (Firemouths or Blue Acara)

• Robust Rainbowfish

• Larger Characins and Catfish (Silver Dollars or Corydoras)

Breeding

Spanner T Barbs are egg-scatterers. Breeding in a home aquarium requires a separate spawning tank with soft, slightly acidic water and dense clumps of fine-leaved plants (like Java Moss) to catch the eggs. Note that parents will eat their own eggs, so they must be removed immediately after spawning.

PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING

• The photos shown on fish product pages are representations of adult fish and are NOT the actual fish that you will be receiving. 
• Please visit our “Ordering/Shipping fish” page prior to checking out to familiarize yourself with our process.
• We ship fish exclusively using overnight shipping with either FedEx or UPS. We will not ship fish with lesser expensive shipping services like “Ground” or “Priority Mail”. This is to ensure the safety of the fish. 
• Unless specified, all fish are sold as unsexed.