Phutunio Barb (Pethia phutunio) Care Guide
Pethia phutunio is a tiny barb of the family Cyprinidae from South Asia, a peaceful nano schooler reaching about 3.9 cm.
Overview
Pethia phutunio is a small cyprinid barb from South Asia, marked by dark vertical bars on a silvery body. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 3.9 cm, making it one of the smaller barbs kept in aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Pethia
- Scientific name: Pethia phutunio
- Authority: Hamilton, 1822
- Common synonyms: Cyprinus phutunio, Barbus phutunio, Puntius phutunio
Habitat
FishBase lists the species from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Seriously Fish places it in the lower Ganges and Brahmaputra basins, including the Indian states of Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Assam and Tripura. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (16 gal); base of at least 60 x 30 cm
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: keep a group of at least 8-10 individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Pethia phutunio is an omnivorous micropredator. FishBase notes it feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. It accepts dried foods but, per Seriously Fish, benefits from small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia for best condition and colour.
Compatibility
The species is very peaceful but timid, swimming mainly in the middle of the tank. Seriously Fish notes this shy nature can make it a poor fit for busy community tanks; it does best in a group among similarly small, calm tankmates.
Breeding
Pethia phutunio is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. According to Seriously Fish, eggs hatch in roughly 24-36 hours and fry become free-swimming after 3-4 days.