Ticto Barb - Pethia ticto : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Ticto Barbs (Pethia ticto) represent an exemplary choice for inclusion in a diverse community aquarium, owing to their impressive adaptability to various water parameters and inherent resilience. Notably, these barbs boast striking colouration that reaches its pinnacle of brilliance when maintained in an appropriate tank environment, further enhancing their lively and engaging personalities.
In their natural habitat, Ticto Barbs exhibit a pronounced preference for communal behaviour, thus making them ideally suited for group keeping, ideally in groups of six or more individuals. Within such sizable groups, they coexist harmoniously with other fish species without causing any disturbances.
For optimal compatibility, it is prudent to consider fish species that inhabit similar biotopes in nature, particularly those that are similar in size and prefer open-water environments, such as certain cyprinids. Additional potential tankmates include Loaches and Garras.
Creating a tranquil ambience in the aquarium is achieved by incorporating dark-coloured decor and an ample variety of plants, including floating species that provide sheltered areas. However, it should be noted that Ticto Barbs may occasionally nibble on delicate-leaved plants, prompting a preference for more robust aquatic vegetation.
Given their sensitivity to suboptimal water conditions and abrupt fluctuations in water chemistry, it is imperative to conduct regular and consistent partial water changes rather than sporadic large-scale ones. By diligently attending to these details, a flourishing and well-balanced habitat can be established for these captivating Barbs.
Ticto Barbs feature silver and gold bodies adorned with two distinctive black spots, one located just before the pectoral fin and the other situated adjacent to the anal fin, close to the caudal fin.
Ticto Barb Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Ticto Barbs is a straightforward task. Adult males exhibit distinct characteristics, appearing notably slimmer and adorned with more vibrant colours compared to their female counterparts, particularly evident in their unpaired and ventral fins. Conversely, females display a less vibrant colouration and possess more rounded bellies, particularly noticeable when they are carrying eggs.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pethia ticto |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1822 |
| Other Names | Twospot Barb |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Pethia |
| Origins | Pakistan , Myanmar , Nepal , India , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka , Thailand |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| TDS | 36 - 215 |
| ℉ | 64 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
Ticto Barbs are indigenous to the Meklong, Irrawaddy, Salwen, Upper Mekong, and Upper Charo Phraya River Basins in several countries, including Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
These Barbs are typically observed inhabiting tranquil, shallow, and marginal waters within lakes and rivers, often characterized by muddy substrates. They are known to exhibit bottom-browsing behaviour in proximity to the substrate, particularly in shallow water regions.
Breeding
Breeding Ticto Barbs can be effectively achieved by adhering to suitable conditions. These fish are capable of breeding in both group settings and pairs. To establish an optimal breeding environment, the breeding tank should be equipped with soft, acidic water and furnished with fine-leaved plant species, such as Java moss.
Alternatively, spawning mops can be employed as a viable substitute.
Ensuring dim lighting conditions is crucial, as the eggs are sensitive to bright light. Inducing spawning and promoting the production of high-quality eggs can be accomplished by providing the barbs with live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.
The onset of spawning can be identified when the male engages in a courtship ritual with the female, swimming around her while displaying his fins. This courtship process may extend over several hours, and as a result, the pair may produce a substantial number of eggs, which are scattered among the plant life.
As with many other aquatic species, it is imperative to relocate the adult fish after spawning to protect the eggs from being consumed. The eggs typically hatch within a 24-hour timeframe, and the fry exhibits free-swimming behaviours approximately one to two days after hatching.
Diet & Feeding
Ticto Barbs have an omnivorous diet, displaying a versatile feeding behaviour that includes various food sources. In their natural habitat, these barbs feed on small aquatic organisms, such as insects, crustaceans, and plant matter, found in still, shallow waters.
In an aquarium setting, a balanced diet can be achieved by providing them with a high-quality flake or pellet food specially formulated for tropical fish. Additionally, supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, replicates their natural feeding habits and ensures optimal health.
Furthermore, offering vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables complements their omnivorous tendencies, resulting in a well-rounded and nutritious diet that sustains their vibrant colouration and overall well-being. Regular feeding schedules with appropriate portion control are essential to prevent these fish from overeating and maintain optimal health conditions.
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