All fish / Cyprinidae

Pookode Barb

Pethia pookodensis

Also known as pookode barb, pookode lake barb, puntius pookodensis, barbus pookodensis, mahecola barb

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This is a small silvery barb with dark spots near the tail and the base of the dorsal fin. Breeding males turn a warm reddish colour. It is kept by enthusiasts who like rare Indian species, and it suits a cool, planted community tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm, plus quality flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

India: Pookode Lake, Wayanad, Kerala (Western Ghats)

Breeding

It scatters eggs among fine-leaved plants and gives no parental care. Breeding in captivity is thought to be similar to other small Pethia barbs, so a separate tank with plants or mesh to protect the eggs from the parents should work, but there are few records of it.

Good to know

It is native to a single small lake and is listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered, so wild fish are rarely traded. Prefers cooler water than most tropical barbs. Only buy captive-bred fish.