Red-stripe Barb (Pethia erythromycter) Care Guide
Pethia erythromycter is a small Burmese barb from the upper Ayeyarwady basin, suited to soft-water community tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pethia erythromycter is a small Burmese cyprinid, sometimes traded as the lipstick or tulip barb. FishBase records a maximum size around 3.3 cm SL. It belongs to the Puntius conchonius species group and lacks barbels.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Pethia
- Scientific name: Pethia erythromycter
Habitat
According to FishBase and Seriously Fish, the species occurs in the upper Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River basin of northern Myanmar, in smaller water bodies near Myitkyina and in Lake Indawgyi. Seriously Fish describes clear, densely vegetated waters over soft clay substrate mixed with decomposing organic matter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-15 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
The species is omnivorous. Seriously Fish recommends small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia, supplemented with quality dried foods containing plant matter.
Compatibility
This is a schooling mid-water barb. Seriously Fish notes that males spar constantly during the day, so a larger group and dense planting help diffuse aggression. It suits peaceful community tankmates such as corydoras and loaches and should be kept away from aggressive species.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, the species is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care; eggs hatch in roughly 36-48 hours and fry become free-swimming soon after.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2010).
Red-stripe Barb (Pethia erythromycter) Breeding Guide
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.