Long-tailed Pethia (Pethia longicauda)

Family: Cyprinidae

Long-tailed Pethia — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2.8–4.2 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6–7
GH hardness: 5–19 dGH
Adult length: 2.8–4.2 cm
Minimum tank: 25 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Pethia longicauda lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 2.8–4.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Pethia species we profile, alongside Pethia atra, Pethia conchonius, Pethia cumingii.

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 Long-tailed Pethia 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 Long-tailed Pethia need?

Hold 22–26 °C and keep it stable — 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.

How big does Long-tailed Pethia get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.8–4.2 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Long-tailed Pethia eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Long-tailed Pethia 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 Long-tailed Pethia come from?

Its habitat is clear streams and rivers over gravel — moderate, well-oxygenated current, appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Long-tailed Pethia jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Long-tailed Pethia breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.