Pethia atra

Family: Cyprinidae

Pethia atra — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 4.3–6.4 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6–7
GH hardness: 5–19 dGH
Adult length: 4.3–6.4 cm
Minimum tank: 49 L
Water layer: Middle of the water column
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Pethia atra of the family Cyprinidae is an aquarium-kept Cyprinidae. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins and omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 4.3–6.4 cm and prefers 22–26 °C water. Other Pethia species in our database include Pethia conchonius, Pethia cumingii, Pethia didi.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow: Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape: Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants: Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Pethia atra easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pethia atra need?

Aim for 22–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Pethia atra get, and what tank size?

Full size is 4.3–6.4 cm. Minimum tank: 49 L, with open swimming space along its middle of the water column habits.

What does Pethia atra eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Pethia atra live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Pethia atra come from?

Found in clear streams and rivers over gravel; expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Pethia atra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Pethia atra breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.