Mascara Barb dawkinsia assimilis 6-8cm

Description

Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis)

A striking and uncommon Indian barb featuring shimmering silver-gold colours, bold facial markings, and graceful schooling behaviour that's perfect for spacious community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Dawkinsia assimilis
  • Common name: Mascara Barb
  • Adult size: 10–12 cm
  • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful & Active
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want an uncommon schooling barb.
  • You have a spacious planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy active fish with natural beauty.
  • You appreciate peaceful larger barb species.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
  • You keep tiny nano fish.
  • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
  • Your aquarium lacks open swimming space.

Why choose the Mascara Barb?

The Mascara Barb is one of the lesser-known gems of the barb family. Mature fish display shimmering silver to golden bodies accented with distinctive dark facial markings that give the species its common name. Males also develop elongated dorsal fins and richer colours as they mature.

Unlike many of the smaller barb species, Mascara Barbs are peaceful, constantly active schooling fish that thrive when kept in larger groups. They spend their day cruising through the middle levels of the aquarium, displaying naturally to one another without excessive aggression.

Their combination of elegance, hardiness and rarity makes them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for something different from the more common Tiger or Rosy Barbs.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping too few individuals.
  • Housing them in aquariums that are too small.
  • Keeping them with tiny or timid fish.
  • Providing limited swimming space.
  • Neglecting regular water changes.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–27°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Large planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and a secure-fitting lid

Pairs perfectly with

  • Rainbowfish
  • Congo Tetras
  • Arulius Barbs
  • Larger Corydoras
  • Peaceful Loaches
NTA Insight:
Mascara Barbs are one of those species that experienced fishkeepers love because they're rarely seen. They combine the size and presence of larger barbs with a much calmer temperament than many people expect. As males mature, their extended fins and subtle metallic colours become increasingly impressive, especially in a well-maintained planted aquarium.

FAQ

How many Mascara Barbs should I keep?

They should be kept in schools of at least six fish. Larger groups of 8–10 or more encourage natural behaviour, improve confidence and produce the best colours.

Are Mascara Barbs aggressive?

No. They are generally considered peaceful and are well suited to larger community aquariums with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.

Can they live with shrimp?

Due to their larger adult size, ornamental shrimp and shrimplets are likely to become food. They are best suited to fish-only community aquariums.

Can Mascara Barbs breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They are egg scatterers and can be bred in dedicated breeding aquariums with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.

What makes the Mascara Barb different?

Its distinctive dark facial markings, elegant elongated dorsal fin in mature males and peaceful schooling nature make the Mascara Barb one of the more refined and underrated members of the Dawkinsia genus.

Mascara Barb dawkinsia assimilis 6-8cm

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Out of stock,  

$40.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis)

    A striking and uncommon Indian barb featuring shimmering silver-gold colours, bold facial markings, and graceful schooling behaviour that's perfect for spacious community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Dawkinsia assimilis
    • Common name: Mascara Barb
    • Adult size: 10–12 cm
    • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful & Active
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want an uncommon schooling barb.
    • You have a spacious planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy active fish with natural beauty.
    • You appreciate peaceful larger barb species.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
    • You keep tiny nano fish.
    • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
    • Your aquarium lacks open swimming space.

    Why choose the Mascara Barb?

    The Mascara Barb is one of the lesser-known gems of the barb family. Mature fish display shimmering silver to golden bodies accented with distinctive dark facial markings that give the species its common name. Males also develop elongated dorsal fins and richer colours as they mature.

    Unlike many of the smaller barb species, Mascara Barbs are peaceful, constantly active schooling fish that thrive when kept in larger groups. They spend their day cruising through the middle levels of the aquarium, displaying naturally to one another without excessive aggression.

    Their combination of elegance, hardiness and rarity makes them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for something different from the more common Tiger or Rosy Barbs.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping too few individuals.
    • Housing them in aquariums that are too small.
    • Keeping them with tiny or timid fish.
    • Providing limited swimming space.
    • Neglecting regular water changes.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–27°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Large planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and a secure-fitting lid

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Rainbowfish
    • Congo Tetras
    • Arulius Barbs
    • Larger Corydoras
    • Peaceful Loaches
    NTA Insight:
    Mascara Barbs are one of those species that experienced fishkeepers love because they're rarely seen. They combine the size and presence of larger barbs with a much calmer temperament than many people expect. As males mature, their extended fins and subtle metallic colours become increasingly impressive, especially in a well-maintained planted aquarium.

    FAQ

    How many Mascara Barbs should I keep?

    They should be kept in schools of at least six fish. Larger groups of 8–10 or more encourage natural behaviour, improve confidence and produce the best colours.

    Are Mascara Barbs aggressive?

    No. They are generally considered peaceful and are well suited to larger community aquariums with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Due to their larger adult size, ornamental shrimp and shrimplets are likely to become food. They are best suited to fish-only community aquariums.

    Can Mascara Barbs breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They are egg scatterers and can be bred in dedicated breeding aquariums with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.

    What makes the Mascara Barb different?

    Its distinctive dark facial markings, elegant elongated dorsal fin in mature males and peaceful schooling nature make the Mascara Barb one of the more refined and underrated members of the Dawkinsia genus.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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