Dotted Sawfin Barb (Pethia punctata)

Family: Cyprinidae

Dotted Sawfin Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.6–8.2 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–7
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
5.6–8.2 cm
Minimum tank
81 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Pethia punctata lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 5.6–8.2 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 Dotted Sawfin 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 Dotted Sawfin Barb 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 Dotted Sawfin Barb get, and what tank size?

Expect 5.6–8.2 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 81 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Dotted Sawfin 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 Dotted Sawfin 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 Dotted Sawfin Barb come from?

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

Does Dotted Sawfin Barb jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Dotted Sawfin Barb breed?

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