Long-fin Form
Pethia ticto
Origin: South and Southeast Asia: Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka — upper basins of the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Chao Phraya rivers
Also known as: Two-spot Barb, Twospot Barb, Tic-Tac-Toe Barb
Fact sheet
- Size
- 10 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 100 L
- Temperature
- 18–25 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
A rare aquarium form with elongated fins produced through selective breeding. Found in some Asian fish farms.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Ticto Barb
The body is moderately elongated, silvery-gold with an iridescent sheen. Two distinct dark spots are the defining feature: the first sits just behind the gill covers before the pectoral fin base, the second near the base of the caudal peduncle. During spawning, the fin bases of males develop a reddish tinge. Adults reach 8–10 cm in length.
Care
Shared with the species: Ticto Barb
A tank of 100–120 liters suits a school of 5–8 fish. This subtropical species has an optimal temperature range of 14–22°C — among the lowest for aquarium barbs. Water parameters: pH 6.0–7.0, hardness up to 10 dGH. The tank should be well planted with open swimming space. Active fish requiring clean, well-oxygenated water with regular 20–30% weekly water changes.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Ticto Barb
Omnivorous and actively accepts a wide variety of foods. Takes flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods: bloodworms, daphnia, artemia. A plant-based component is essential — the fish graze on soft aquarium plants, so use hardy plant species or provide spirulina-based foods. Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Ticto Barb
A peaceful schooling species that causes minimal disturbance to tankmates when kept in groups of 5+. Solitary specimens or small groups may become stressed and hide. Mixes well with other subtropical fish: danios, smaller barbs, corydoras. Avoid housing with veiltail fish whose fins may be nipped.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Ticto Barb
Readily breeds in home aquariums. Set up a separate breeding tank with Java moss and fine gravel on the bottom. Condition breeders with generous live food feeding. The female lays approximately 150 eggs in batches of 15–20, scattered among plants. Remove adults immediately after spawning as they eat the eggs. Fry hatch in about 24 hours and become free-swimming a day later, initially feeding on infusoria and artemia nauplii.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Ticto Barb
The Ticto Barb tolerates water temperatures as low as 14°C, making it one of the few barbs that can be kept without intensive heating in temperate climates. The species holds Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List due to its wide range and numerous populations. The name 'ticto' is derived from an Indian vernacular word meaning 'spotted,' referencing the two characteristic black spots on the body.