Stoliczka's Barb Care Guide
Pethia stoliczkana is a small peaceful cyprinid from Myanmar, Thailand and northeastern India, suited to planted community tanks in groups.
Overview
Pethia stoliczkana, commonly known as Stoliczka's barb, is a small freshwater cyprinid native to Southeast Asia. It is recognised by a dark blotch behind the gill opening and another on the caudal peduncle, with sexually active males developing red dorsal fins marked with black. The species was formerly placed in the genera Barbus and Puntius before being moved to Pethia.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Pethia
- Scientific name: Pethia stoliczkana
- Former synonyms: Barbus stoliczkanus, Puntius stoliczkanus
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish, the species ranges from Manipur in northeastern India through much of Myanmar and Thailand to western Laos. FishBase lists the upper Mekong, Salween, Irrawaddy, Meklong and upper Chao Phraya basins. It inhabits shady, flowing streams and tributaries with clear, well-oxygenated water over substrates of sand, gravel and rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
Stoliczka's barb is an omnivore. In the wild it feeds on diatoms, algae, organic detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans and other zooplankton (Seriously Fish). In captivity it accepts good-quality dried foods alongside small live and frozen items such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
The species is generally peaceful and well suited to a community aquarium. It is a mid-water schooling fish that is most settled and colourful when kept in a group; Seriously Fish recommends groups of eight to ten specimens. Long-finned tankmates are best avoided.
Breeding
Pethia stoliczkana is an egg-scattering spawner that provides no parental care. According to Seriously Fish, eggs hatch within 24-48 hours and the fry become free-swimming roughly a day after hatching. Males are slimmer and more colourful than females, especially in the unpaired and ventral fins.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2010), per FishBase.