All fish / Cyprinidae

Khavli barb

Pethia ambassis

Also known as puntius ambassis, pethia ambassis, ambassis barb, glass barb, khavli

A small, deep-bodied barb from southern India with a silvery, slightly translucent body, a dark blotch near the tail and a smaller mark at the dorsal fin base. Males take on warmer orange tones in the fins when in condition. It is seldom seen in the trade but suits keepers who like active, hardy shoaling fish from Indian hill streams.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

20 to 26 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and small pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Western Ghats of southern India (Kerala and Karnataka west-flowing rivers)

Breeding

An egg-scattering species that gives no parental care and will eat its own eggs. Conditioned pairs or groups can be spawned in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base, removing the adults afterwards; it is thought to be fairly straightforward, much like other Pethia barbs.

Good to know

Rarely exported and often confused with other small Pethia and Puntius barbs, so check identity when buying. Keep in a group, as single fish can become nervous or nippy.