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Fiveband barb

Desmopuntius pentazona

Fiveband barb© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Fiveband barb (Desmopuntius pentazona) is a small, colorful freshwater cyprinid native to slow‑moving streams and rice paddies in Southeast Asia. Though prized as an ornamental aquarium fish, it can be caught with ultra‑light tackle where it inhabits shallow, vegetated waters.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Cyprinidae

Max Size

8.8 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Rainy season (May‑October) when water levels rise and insects are abundant

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon, when the fish feed near the surface

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Fiveband barb

  • Use a 2‑3 ft ultralight spin rod with a 2‑4 lb test line to avoid spooking the fish.
  • Present micro live bait such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, or tiny worms on a size 10‑12 hook.
  • Float a tiny split‑shot weight and let the bait drift slowly over vegetated areas.
  • Keep the drag very light; the barb’s fight is brief but can make quick, darting runs.

Top Fishing Locations for Fiveband barb

Khao Sok River (Sok River)

Thailand
beginner55% Common

Clear headwater streams in Khao Sok National Park host abundant Fiveband barb populations among submerged roots and leaf litter.

Best: November to February

Batang River

Malaysia
intermediate45% Occasional

Mid‑river stretches in Sarawak’s Batang River provide shallow, vegetated habitats where Fiveband barb are frequently seen in schools.

Best: May to September

Kinabalu River

Malaysia
intermediate35% Occasional

Upper tributaries of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah contain fast‑flowing, clear mountain streams that support healthy Fiveband barb numbers.

Best: June to August

Songkhla Lake (Songkhla River Inlet)

Thailand
beginner65% Common

The brackish inlet of Songkhla Lake offers abundant surface vegetation where Fiveband barb congregate during the cool season.

Best: October to March

Perlis River

Malaysia
beginner30% Occasional

A gently flowing river in northern Peninsular Malaysia, accessible from Kuala Perlis and known for small‑school catches of Fiveband barb.

Best: March to May

Danum Valley River

Malaysia
expert20% Uncommon

Remote rainforest streams in Danum Valley Conservation Area host pristine Fiveband barb populations, prized by anglers willing to trek deep into Borneo.

Best: July to September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Fiveband barb

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spin rod, 2‑3 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs or tiny soft‑plastic grubs (size 0‑1)
TechniqueLight drift with tiny live bait, surface jigging

Best bait: Micro worms, daphnia, mosquito larvae