Stoliczkana Barb

Pethia stoliczkana is distributed across river systems in northern India and Myanmar, inhabiting slow-flowing, vegetated streams and floodplain habitats with soft, warm water. It is a small barb — reaching only 5 cm — with a slender, translucent body and faint lateral spotting. In good condition the scales show a faint golden iridescence, and males display marginally more intense colouration than females.

In the aquarium this species is undemanding and peaceful, well suited to smaller planted tanks. It benefits from soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with gentle filtration and dense planting, which provides both shelter and foraging opportunities. Groups of eight or more provide the best display and most natural behaviour.

Pethia stoliczkana is an easy feeder, accepting micro-pellets, crushed flake, and small frozen or live invertebrates. Its modest size and placid nature make it an ideal companion for other small cyprinids, nano tetras, and small livebearers in community setups.

Water: 20–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderate hardness (GH 3–12); gentle flow preferred. Tank: 40 L minimum; densely planted with open swimming areas; dark substrate enhances colour. Feeding: Omnivore; micro-pellets, crushed flake, daphnia, micro-worms, baby brine shrimp. Breeding: Egg-scatterer over fine plants; soft, slightly warm water triggers spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful nano species; best with similarly sized cyprinids, nano tetras, and small livebearers.