Family: Cyprinidae
Chennai Sawfin Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2–3 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.
Pethia sharmai 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 2–3 cm and prefers 22–26 °C water. Other Pethia species in our database include Pethia atra, Pethia conchonius, Pethia cumingii.
A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Full size is 2–3 cm. Minimum tank: 25 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Found in clear streams and rivers over gravel; expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.