Red-stripe Barb (Pethia erythromycter) Breeding Guide

Breeding Pethia erythromycter: sexing by the male's red mouth and spawning blue, conditioning, an egg-trap spawning tank, and rearing fry after a 36-48 hour hatch.

Overview

Pethia erythromycter is a small barb found only in the upper Ayeyarwady basin of northern Myanmar, including streams near Myitkyina and Lake Indawgyi. It reaches about 30-35 mm standard length and is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care.

Sexing

Males display red pigmentation around the mouth and are the more colourful sex, while females are plumper and slightly larger. During spawning the male's entire body darkens to an inky-blue, a clear sign of breeding condition.

Conditioning

Condition adults together on a varied diet until males develop their spawning colour and females round out with roe, then move a pair or small group to the breeding tank.

Breeding Setup

Use a dimly lit spawning tank with a mesh or glass-marble base so eggs fall through while keeping the adults away. Add an air-powered sponge filter or air stones for oxygenation, and hold the temperature at the upper end of the range with slightly acidic to neutral water.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Conditioned fish scatter eggs over the substrate, which fall through out of reach. Warmth and rich feeding bring the fish into spawning condition, marked by the male's darkened colour.

Egg & Fry Care

Adults consume the eggs and should be removed as soon as any are noticed. Eggs hatch in 36-48 hours, with fry free-swimming 24-48 hours later. Start with infusoria-grade foods, progressing to microworm and brine shrimp nauplii, then crushed dry foods after about 10 days.

Common Challenges

Egg predation by the parents is the main risk, addressed by an egg-trap base and prompt removal. Because the fry are very small, an adequate supply of infusoria-grade first foods is essential during early rearing.