Sunspot Barb (Pethia stoliczkana)

Sunspot Barb Pethia stoliczkana
Name	Sunspot Barb
Name Lat.	Pethia stoliczkana
Synonym	Barbus stoliczkanus
Family	Carps
Family lat.	Cyprinidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0-7.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	5 cm
Temperature	18-26 °C
Hardness	1-15 °dH
Aquarium	80 l
US Units
Size	2"
Temperature	64-79 °F
Hardness	18-267 ppm
Aquarium	20 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution areas of sunspot barbs are river systems in northern Myanmar, Thailand and western Laos. They live in shallow, slow-flowing and stagnant waters with root, leaf and stone-covered bottoms and dense riparian vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), slightly shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed on insects, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. The food offer consists of live food, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Especially daphnia and red mosquito larvae must not be missing. In addition, they regularly need vegetable food, such as algae leaves, pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules) with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)

Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance

Behaviour and compatibility

They are lively but peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized very well with other peaceful fish. Courting males occasionally threaten each other, displaying the most beautiful coloration. At least 5, but preferably more Sunspot Barbs should be kept together. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The males are more intensely colored and slimmer than the rounder females.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners that do not engage in brood care. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The sunspot barb was previously thought to be a variant of Puntius ticto

The foliage (e.g., sea almond leaves), when decaying, promotes the development of microorganisms that provide a valuable secondary food source

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF