Ticto Barb (Pethia ticto)
| Ticto Barb Pethia ticto | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Ticto Barb |
| Name Lat. | Pethia ticto |
| Synonym | Cyprinus ticto |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | South 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 | 5-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-6 cm |
| Temperature | 18-25 °C |
| Hardness | 2-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.4" |
| Temperature | 64-77 °F |
| Hardness | 36-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Two-spotted barbs have a wide range, from Pakistan to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand to southern China. They live in shallow, slow-flowing and stagnant waters with roots, foliage and mostly muddy bottoms as well as 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 two-spot barbs should be kept together. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions 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
According to their origin there are numerous variants, which differ in color and pattern. Some of them are now listed as independent species, e.g. the Puntius padamya (Odessa barb) or Puntius stoliczkanus (sunspot barb)
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: Ruinemans Aquarium BV
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