Spottedsail Barb

Pethia phutunio

Spottedsail Barb is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm)
Aquarium size
14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
70–79°F (21–26°C)
pH
6–7
GH
2–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 6–7, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Spottedsail Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Spottedsail Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 8+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Spottedsail Barb get?

Spottedsail Barb reaches ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm).

What aquarium size does Spottedsail Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Spottedsail Barb peaceful?

Yes. Spottedsail Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Spottedsail Barb?

Keep it between 21 to 26 °C.

Should Spottedsail Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Spottedsail Barb: Keep in a school of 8+.

Scroll to Top