Dwarf barb - Puntius phutunio

Scientific name: Puntius phutunio

Common name: Dwarf barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 8 cm (2.76 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.1

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Dwarf barbs are omnivorous; they will accept all foods offered. Vegetable matter should be included in the diet.

Origin

Asia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Sexing

The males are slimmer than the females and have a more brightly colored tail.

Breeding

Dwarf barbs prefer to breed in green water with subdued lighting. It can be quite difficult to get them to pair but once they do they will lay batches of eggs after a display of fast swimming around the tank. The eggs should hatch after 24-30 hours and the fry will become free swimming a few days later. They can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or Infusoria.

Lifespan

Puntius phutunio have a relatively short life span of 2 years.

Short description

Puntius phutunio are very inquisitive and should not be kept with long finned tank mates as they are known to be fin nippers. They should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.