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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Ticto barb

Pethia ticto

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The ticto barb (Pethia ticto) is a peaceful shoaling fish recorded across much of the Indian subcontinent. Its name is often confused with Pethia padamya in aquarium literature. The latter is usually more colourful, with orange-red body pigment in males; P. ticto is generally more subdued. Seriously Fish gives a standard length up to about 6.5 cm and recommends at least an 80 × 30 cm base, around 72 litres, for a group of eight to ten. Provide cover along the margins while retaining open water. Check stock provenance because older scientific and trade names have not always been applied reliably.

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At a glance

Temperature
18–25 °C
pH
6.0–7.5
GH
2–12 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 80 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 72 L
Adult size
Up to 6.5 cm
Group size
At least 8–10 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

The accepted name is Pethia ticto (Hamilton, 1822). Earlier combinations include Cyprinus ticto, Barbus ticto and Puntius ticto. Dark flank markings help identification, but pattern and colour vary among populations. Confusion with Pethia padamya is common, so assess body colour and markings together rather than relying on a shop label. Records from some peripheral areas remain taxonomically uncertain.

Natural habitat

Pethia ticto is recorded from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is most often associated with shallow streams and minor tributaries. Depth, flow and turbidity vary by season and locality; substrates are often mud or silt. Its broad range should not be reduced to one fixed aquarium biotope or a single water chemistry that applies everywhere.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish recommends at least an 80 × 30 cm base and about 72 litres. A shoal of eight to ten active barbs needs open swimming room as well as sheltered margins. Use plants, wood and optional floating cover without filling the central swimming area. Some movement and good filtration suit the species. A dark substrate may show its colour; mature the biological filter and secure the lid.

Water conditions

Seriously Fish recommends 18–25 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and GH 2–12 dGH. FishBase contains different ecological values; these have not been averaged with the specialist aquarium range. The source notes tolerance of lower temperatures, but that is not a recommendation to keep fish at the lower limit long term. Keep conditions stable and acclimate new fish gradually.

Behaviour and group size

The species is generally peaceful and social. Keep a mixed shoal of eight to ten. Assess tankmates by adult size, activity, temperature, available swimming length and vulnerability to fin damage. Overlapping pH or hardness alone is not enough. Avoid very small, slow or long-finned fish that may be chased or outcompeted at feeding time by an active barb.

Feeding

The ticto barb is likely to forage on worms, insects, small invertebrates, plant matter and detritus. Use complete flakes or fine granules containing plant matter as a staple. Rotate small suitable portions of Daphnia, Artemia or other frozen/live foods. Make sure less dominant shoal members can feed and remove leftovers to protect water quality.

Breeding

This is an egg-scattering species without parental care; adults may eat the eggs. A separate mature, dimly lit tank is better for deliberate breeding than a community aquarium. Use an egg grid, marbles, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, then remove adults after spawning. Seriously Fish reports hatching in about 24–48 hours; start fry on infusoria-grade food.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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