Ticto barb
Species of fish
The Ticto barb (Pethia ticto) is a species of tropical fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is native to the inland waters of South Asia, particularly in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. This species is popular in the aquarium trade due to its vibrant appearance and peaceful nature.
Description[edit | edit source]
The Ticto barb is a small-sized fish, typically reaching a length of about 10 cm (4 inches). It has a laterally compressed body with a distinctive silver coloration. The fish is characterized by two prominent black spots; one located near the gill cover and the other at the base of the tail. The fins are generally transparent with a slight reddish hue, which becomes more pronounced during the breeding season.
Habitat[edit | edit source]
Ticto barbs are found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, streams, and ponds. They prefer slow-moving or still waters with abundant vegetation. The natural habitat of the Ticto barb is often characterized by a sandy or muddy substrate, with plenty of aquatic plants that provide cover and breeding grounds.
Behavior[edit | edit source]
Ticto barbs are schooling fish, which means they thrive in groups. In the wild, they are often seen swimming in large shoals. In an aquarium setting, it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least six to ensure their well-being and to observe their natural behavior. They are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive species.
Diet[edit | edit source]
In their natural habitat, Ticto barbs are omnivorous. They feed on a variety of food sources, including small insects, crustaceans, plant matter, and detritus. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of high-quality flake food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms to ensure a balanced diet.
Breeding[edit | edit source]
Breeding Ticto barbs in captivity can be challenging but is possible with the right conditions. They are egg scatterers, meaning they release their eggs over a substrate or among plants. To encourage breeding, it is important to provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a temperature around 24-26°C (75-79°F). After spawning, it is advisable to remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Conservation status[edit | edit source]
The Ticto barb is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many freshwater species, it faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing in some areas. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the sustainability of their populations in the wild.
Aquarium care[edit | edit source]
When keeping Ticto barbs in an aquarium, it is important to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. A tank of at least 75 liters (20 gallons) is recommended for a small group. The tank should be well-planted with plenty of swimming space. Regular water changes and a good filtration system are essential to maintain water quality.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD