Black MollyPoecilia sphenops
Sumatran BarbPuntigrus tetrazona
Verdict:with caution
- Behaviour: with caution
- Water: ranges overlap
Why
The water matches (hardness 15–20 dGH). The risk lies in the barb's character: it is a nipper and may nip fins. This is least likely when barbs are kept in a school of 8–10 or more.
Water and size
| Parameter | Black Molly | Sumatran Barb | Shared range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 21 – 26 °C (70 – 79 °F) | 20 – 26 °C (68 – 79 °F) | 21 – 26 °C (70 – 79 °F) ranges overlap |
| Water pH | 7 – 8.5 | 6 – 8 | 7 – 8 ranges overlap |
| Water dH | 15 – 30 | 5 – 20 | 15 – 20 ranges overlap |
| Size in aquarium | 8 – 12 cm (3.1 – 4.7 in) | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Required aquarium volume | from 150 L (40 gal) | from 60 L (16 gal) | |
| Keeping | Mixed (solitary / pair / group) | Schooling (usually from 5–6 individuals and more) | |
| Temperament | Peaceful (regular) | Peaceful, but may bite fins | |
| Swimming level | near the surface | middle level |
This is a general estimate: fish of the same species differ in character. Tank volume is given for each species separately — two species together need at least the larger of the two, and usually more.
Other pairs with these fish
- Siamese Fighting Fish + Black Molly not recommended
- Siamese Fighting Fish + Sumatran Barb not recommended
- Goldfish + Black Molly with caution
- Goldfish + Sumatran Barb not recommended
- Angelfish + Black Molly not recommended
- Angelfish + Sumatran Barb not recommended
- Common Guppy + Black Molly compatible
- Common Guppy + Sumatran Barb not recommended
- Neon Tetra + Black Molly not recommended
- Neon Tetra + Sumatran Barb with caution
- Black Molly + Common Platy compatible
- Black Molly + Bronze Corydoras compatible
- Black Molly + Oscar Cichlid not recommended
- Common Platy + Sumatran Barb with caution
- Bronze Corydoras + Sumatran Barb with caution
- Sumatran Barb + Oscar Cichlid not recommended