Pygmy Barb/Golden Dwarf Barb (Pethia gelius) Import

The Pygmy Barb, also known as the Dwarf Barb, is a delightful and active schooling fish native to the slow-moving waters of Sri Lanka. Ideal for both nano and larger community aquariums, their vibrant colors and social behavior make them a favorite among hobbyists.

Physical Characteristics:
Size: Typically grows to about 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches).
Coloration: Males exhibit beautiful red and blue hues, particularly during spawning, while females are more subdued with silver bodies and a reddish tail.
Body Shape: Slender with a forked tail, enabling rapid swimming.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are more colorful with vibrant fins; females are larger and less colorful.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Temperament: Peaceful but can be quite active, best in schools of at least 6 to feel secure.
Tankmates: Compatible with other small, peaceful fish like guppies, neon tetras, or other small barbs. Avoid large or aggressive species.
Social Behavior: Thrive in groups, enhancing their natural schooling behavior which is both beautiful and calming to watch.

Habitat Requirements:
Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a small group, but larger is better for their schooling nature.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F).
pH: 6.0 – 7.5.
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5-15 dGH).
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand, which mimics their natural habitat.

Environment:
Provide plenty of plants for hiding and security.
Moderate lighting; they appreciate areas of shade.
Gentle filtration to avoid strong currents they wouldn’t experience in the wild.

Diet:
Omnivorous: They do well with a varied diet:
High-quality flake food or micro pellets.
Live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and small worms for variety.
They enjoy algae-based foods, reflecting their natural foraging behavior.

Care Tips:
Regular water changes to keep the water clean, as they are sensitive to nitrates.
Avoid overcrowding to maintain water quality and reduce stress.
Ensure there’s enough space for swimming, given their active nature.

Breeding:
Reproduction: Breeding can be encouraged with a slightly higher temperature and frequent small water changes to simulate the rainy season.
Behavior: Males will display their colors more vividly to attract females.
Eggs: Eggs are scattered among plants, so dense plant cover is beneficial.
Fry Care: Fry are small and should be fed infusoria or specially formulated fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

The Pygmy Barb is an excellent choice for those looking to add a splash of color and activity to their aquarium. With proper care, these little fish can provide years of enjoyment, showcasing their dynamic schooling patterns and vibrant colors in a well-maintained tank.