MASCARA BARB (Dawkinsia assimilis) 1–1.5″ (2–3 CM) FOR SALE IN CANADA
Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) for Sale in Canada
The Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) is an attractive and active freshwater schooling fish from southern India. This lesser-known barb is valued by aquarium enthusiasts for its distinctive facial markings, streamlined body, and energetic swimming behaviour.
At 1–1.5 inches (2–3 cm), these juveniles are an excellent size for establishing a group and watching them develop their adult pattern and coloration. As they mature, their markings become increasingly distinctive, making them a fascinating addition to a larger community aquarium.
The Mascara Barb is best kept in a group and provided with plenty of open swimming space, good oxygenation, and stable water conditions.
Monster Aquarium Canada offers Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) for Canadian aquarists with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.
Why Choose Mascara Barb?
A Distinctive Indian Barb for the Community Aquarium
Mascara Barbs are prized for their:
Unique Features
Premium Characteristics
- Distinctive dark facial markings
- Attractive streamlined body
- Active schooling behaviour
- Peaceful community temperament
- Hardy freshwater nature
- Interesting adult coloration
- Excellent display fish
- Ideal for experienced barb keepers
Their energetic movement makes a group especially entertaining in a spacious aquarium.
Aquarium Size
For a small group of juveniles, a 30-gallon aquarium can be suitable, but a 40-gallon or larger long aquarium is preferable as they mature.
Recommended Aquarium Setup
- Mature biological filtration
- Excellent oxygenation
- Moderate water movement
- Dense plants around the perimeter
- Large open swimming area
- Driftwood
- Smooth river stones
- Secure aquarium lid
A long aquarium is preferable because Dawkinsia species are active swimmers.
Water Parameters
- Scientific Name: Dawkinsia assimilis
- Common Name: Mascara Barb
- Available Size: 1–1.5 inches (2–3 cm)
- Stock Code: D2405YS
- Adult Size: Approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH: 6.5–8.0
- GH: 5–20 dGH
- KH: 3–12 dKH
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Generally peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Swimming Level: Middle and upper levels
- Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 years with proper care
Feeding Your Mascara Barb
Mascara Barbs are omnivorous and benefit from a varied, nutritious diet.
Recommended Foods
- Premium medium-sized pellets
- Quality tropical flakes
- Small granules
- Frozen bloodworms
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Cyclops
- Spirulina-based foods
- Blanched vegetables
Young 1–1.5-inch specimens should receive appropriately sized foods that they can easily consume.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
A river-inspired planted aquarium is an excellent environment for Mascara Barbs.
Recommended Features
- Open swimming areas
- Moderate water circulation
- Strong filtration
- Smooth river rocks
- Driftwood
- Hardy aquatic plants
- Sandy or fine gravel substrate
Plants can be concentrated around the edges while leaving the centre open for schooling.
Compatible Tank Mates
Mascara Barbs are generally suitable for community aquariums containing fish of similar size and temperament.
Suitable Tank Mates
- Other peaceful barbs
- Larger rasboras
- Rainbowfish
- Danios
- Larger peaceful tetras
- Corydoras
- Loaches
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Peaceful medium-sized community fish
Avoid:
- Large predatory fish
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Extremely slow-moving species
- Very delicate fish
- Tiny nano fish that could become stressed by their activity
Schooling Behaviour
Mascara Barbs are social fish and should be maintained in groups.
Recommended Group Size
A group of 6 or more is recommended when aquarium space allows.
Keeping a proper group encourages:
- Natural schooling behaviour
- Greater confidence
- Reduced stress
- More interesting social interactions
- Better colour development
A larger school can create a spectacular moving display.
Growth and Development
The 1–1.5-inch size listed is a juvenile size. With proper care, nutrition, and water quality, Mascara Barbs can develop considerably larger as adults.
Supporting Healthy Growth
Provide:
- High-quality nutrition
- Regular water changes
- Strong biological filtration
- Adequate swimming space
- Stable temperature
- Plenty of oxygenation
Planning for their adult size is important before purchasing juveniles.
Breeding
Mascara Barbs are egg-scattering fish. Breeding is generally best attempted in a dedicated breeding aquarium.
Breeding Tips
- Condition adults with nutritious live and frozen foods
- Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
- Maintain excellent water quality
- Remove adults after spawning
- Protect eggs from being eaten
- Feed fry appropriately sized foods
Adult fish provide no parental care, so eggs and fry require protection.
Why Buy Mascara Barb from Monster Aquarium Canada?
Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish
Monster Aquarium Canada carefully selects fish for:
- Healthy body condition
- Active swimming
- Strong feeding response
- Good natural markings
- Premium aquarium quality
Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada
Live fish are professionally packaged to help provide safe transportation throughout Canada.
Canadian Aquarium Fish Supplier
Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How large does the Mascara Barb grow?
Mascara Barbs can reach approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) as adults, depending on genetics, diet, and environment.
2. What size are the Mascara Barbs available?
The listed specimens are approximately 1–1.5 inches (2–3 cm), making them juvenile-sized fish.
3. Are Mascara Barbs peaceful?
They are generally peaceful when maintained with suitable tank mates, although they are active swimmers and should not be housed with extremely delicate species.
4. How many Mascara Barbs should I keep?
A group of 6 or more is recommended to encourage natural social and schooling behaviour.
5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Mascara Barbs across Canada?
Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada to help ensure your Mascara Barbs arrive healthy and ready for their new aquarium.




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