Dotted Sawfin Barb
Pethia punctata
A peaceful, spotted little barb from India that rewards you for keeping a crowd.
About
The Dotted Sawfin Barb (Pethia punctata) is a small, lively cyprinid native to the ponds and streams of India and Sri Lanka. It carries two dark blotches along its sides and a dorsal fin patterned with rows of spots. Details that help distinguish it from several closely related species it has historically been confused with, including P. ticto, which it was once considered either synonymous with or a subspecies of. Its taxonomy has been sorted out relatively recently, and it remains a species that most hobbyists haven't encountered yet, which is a shame given how well it performs in a community setup. It is genuinely peaceful and well suited to a beginner willing to do a little research on tankmates. The best companions are similarly sized, open-water cyprinids from comparable habitats, or bottom-dwellers like loaches and Garra species. Where this fish really comes alive is in a proper group. Aim for eight to ten individuals with a mix of males and females. Males will spar and display their best coloration while jostling for position or competing for female attention, and that social dynamic makes a school of them far more entertaining than a handful ever would be.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Dotted Sawfin Barb
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Dotted Sawfin Barb get?
- The Dotted Sawfin Barb reaches about 2–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Dotted Sawfin Barb need?
- A minimum of 18 gallons is recommended for the Dotted Sawfin Barb, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Dotted Sawfin Barb need?
- The Dotted Sawfin Barb does best with a temperature of 68–82°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–15 dGH.
- Is the Dotted Sawfin Barb aggressive?
- The Dotted Sawfin Barb is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Dotted Sawfin Barb eat?
- The Dotted Sawfin Barb is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.