Breeding Cuming's Barb (Pethia Cumingii) In The Aquarium

Cuming's Barb, Two-spot Barb, Spotted Barb

Distribution

This is a freshwater species, endemic to the tributaries of the Kelani and Gin rivers in Sri Lanka. It mainly inhabits small streams with sandy, gravel and rocky substrates with moderate water flow.

Appearance

The Ceylon barb has a laterally flattened silver-yellow body with two dark, vertical spots. The first one is located behind the gill covers, the second, more rounded, is at the base of the tail. The fins are transparent with a yellow margin. The tail fin is forked. This species is often mistaken with the Pethia reval barb, which has red ventral fins and a dorsal fin, and a red margin on the tail and anal fins. Males are slightly smaller, thinner in the abdomen, and more colorful compared to females. Sexual dimorphism is well visible during the breeding period.

Behavior

This is a calm, curious, and active fish, living in groups. A company of 8-10 fish will make them less skittish, males will beautifully color up and compete for female attention. This species can be kept with virtually all fish of similar size and temperament: livebearers, loaches, catfish, corydoras, labyrinth fish, small rainbow fish, and other barbs, tetras, neons, razorfish, etc., as well as shrimp. The Ceylon barb is a species that can be successfully kept by beginner aquarists.

Aquarium

The aquarium should be densely planted, with free spaces for free swimming. Decorative elements can be rocks or roots. The substrate should be fine (sand or small gravel), preferably dark. The lighting should be diffuse and not very intense - floating plants or pieces of wood floating on the water surface are a good solution.

Reproduction

This is an oviparous species. It should be bred in a separate, dimly lit aquarium, with plants with small leaves, slightly acidic water, medium hardness water, at a temperature from the upper range. In the evening, we introduce one or two pairs of fish (males during the breeding period turn a vivid red colour) into such a prepared tank. The fish should start breeding the next day, in the morning hours. After intense chasing, the female lays eggs in batches, which fall to the bottom or stick to plants. Parents do not take care of the eggs and may even eat them. Therefore, we should catch them immediately as soon as we notice the laid eggs. Larvae hatch after 1-2 days, after another 1-2 days the fry are freely swimming in search of food.