Back to species
Species profile

Mascara Barb

Dawkinsia assimilis

Mascara Barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) is a schooling community species for a cycled 55+ gallon freshwater aquarium. Plan for about 5 inches as an adult, 70-79°F water, pH 6-7.8, and beginner-friendly care. Keep a group of at least 6; larger groups often behave more naturally when the tank has room.

Community leaningBeginner-friendly care
Mascara Barb, a community leaning 5 inch aquarium species for 55+ gallon tanks
55 galMinimum tank
5 inAdult size
6Schooling minimum
70-79°FTemperature

Water Range

pH
6-7.8
GH
3-15 dGH
KH
2-10 dKH

Behavior

Temperament
Peaceful
Fin nipping
2/5
Territory
0/5

Diet and Care

Diet
omnivore
Diet difficulty
1/5
Care difficulty
1/5

Planning Notes

oxygen richshrimp predatorfry predator

People also bought

Fish that pair well with Mascara Barb

These matches are starting points with overlapping water ranges and lower behavior risk. Always check the full stocking plan, tank size, and group counts before buying.

Can I keep this?

Run Mascara Barb through the checker with your tank size, cycle status, water, group count, and tankmates before buying.

Check my tank
Compare this species

Put Mascara Barb beside another profile to compare water range, size, diet, schooling needs, and behavior.

Open comparison
Will plants work?

Match Mascara Barb against aquarium plants for nibbling, uprooting, cover, flow, and water-range flags.

Open plant match
Ask about my setup

Ask Advisor how Mascara Barb fits with your current tank, recent logs, plants, and livestock.

Ask Advisor
View native range

Open the origins map to see reviewed native-range coordinates and regional context for Mascara Barb.

Open origins map

From keepers

Loading…