The Melon Barb (Haludaria fasciata), also known as the Black Spot Barb or Red-Striped Barb, is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to the rivers and streams of India, particularly the Western Ghats. It’s a popular species among aquarium enthusiasts due to its striking coloration, active behavior, and relatively easy care requirements. Despite its name, the Melon Barb has distinctive orange to red stripes rather than the colors commonly associated with melons.

### Physical Characteristics:
- **Size**: The Melon Barb typically grows to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in length, making it a medium-sized fish suitable for a wide range of tank sizes.
- **Coloration**: The fish's body is silver or yellowish with a bright red or orange horizontal stripe running from the head to the base of the tail, bordered by darker black or blue markings. Males usually exhibit brighter colors, especially during the breeding season, while females are more subdued.
- **Fins**: The fins of the Melon Barb are often tinged with red or orange, complementing the body’s vibrant stripe, and adding to its overall attractiveness.

### Habitat and Tank Requirements:
- **Tank Size**: A minimum of 20 to 30 gallons is recommended for a small group of Melon Barbs. Since they are an active and schooling species, it’s best to keep them in groups of at least 6-8 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
- **Water Parameters**: They thrive in tropical freshwater conditions, with a temperature range of 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C). The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0-7.5.
- **Tank Setup**: A well-planted tank with plenty of open swimming areas is ideal for Melon Barbs. They appreciate having shaded areas provided by plants or driftwood, as well as hiding places like caves. A dark substrate can help enhance their colors.
- **Filtration**: Since these fish are sensitive to poor water quality, a good filtration system is important, along with regular water changes to maintain ideal conditions.

### Behavior and Temperament:
- **Peaceful**: Melon Barbs are generally peaceful and make good community fish. They coexist well with other similarly sized and non-aggressive species. However, they may nip at long-finned species if not kept in a proper group size.
- **Active Schooling Fish**: Being schooling fish, they prefer to swim together in a group, which not only enhances their color and activity but also reduces aggression or stress. A group will often swim energetically in the middle to lower levels of the tank.
- **Curious Nature**: These barbs are known for their curious behavior, often exploring their environment and tank decorations.

### Diet:
- **Omnivorous**: The Melon Barb is not a picky eater, making it easy to feed in captivity. Their diet should consist of:
- High-quality flake or pellet food
- Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia
- Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or algae wafers
- A varied diet will enhance their coloration and promote health.

### Lifespan:
- The average lifespan of the Melon Barb is around 5-7 years with proper care, though some may live longer in ideal conditions.

### Breeding:
- **Egg Scatters**: Melon Barbs are egg scatterers and will readily breed in captivity under the right conditions. The females will release eggs, and males will fertilize them, usually in dense plant cover.
- **Breeding Tank Setup**: A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop is ideal to prevent the parents from eating the eggs. The water temperature should be slightly warmer, around 77°F to 80°F, and the pH should be neutral.
- **Fry Care**: Once the eggs hatch in about 2-3 days, the fry will require very small foods such as infusoria or specialized fry food until they are large enough to accept crushed flakes or brine shrimp.

### Special Considerations:
- **School Size**: Melon Barbs are happiest in schools, so it’s important to keep them in groups. A lone Melon Barb may become stressed or display erratic behavior, so maintaining a group of at least 6 is crucial.
- **Tankmates**: They do well in community setups with other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, danios, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. However, avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas or angelfish, as their nipping tendencies may cause issues.

In summary, the Melon Barb is a beautiful and lively species that adds color and activity to a well-maintained aquarium. With its easygoing temperament, compatibility with other peaceful fish, and low-maintenance requirements, it’s a great option for beginner to intermediate fish keepers. However, to keep them healthy and stress-free, they should always be kept in schools and provided with clean, well-oxygenated water.