Tic Tac-toe Barb (Pethia melanomaculata)

Family: Cyprinidae

Tic Tac-toe Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2.9–4.3 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6–7
GH hardness: 5–19 dGH
Adult length: 2.9–4.3 cm
Minimum tank: 25 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Pethia melanomaculata 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 2.9–4.3 cm and prefers 22–26 °C water. Other Pethia species in our database include 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 Tic Tac-toe Barb 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 Tic Tac-toe Barb need?

Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.

How big does Tic Tac-toe Barb get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.9–4.3 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Tic Tac-toe Barb eat?

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

Can Tic Tac-toe Barb 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 Tic Tac-toe Barb come from?

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

Does Tic Tac-toe Barb jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Tic Tac-toe Barb breed?

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