Mahecola Barb (Puntius mahecola)

Family: Cyprinidae

Mahecola Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 9.4–13.9 cm; keep at 20–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 20–24 °C
pH: 6–6.5
GH hardness: 8–15 dGH
Adult length: 9.4–13.9 cm
Minimum tank: 232 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Puntius mahecola is a Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 9.4–13.9 cm of adult fish at 20–24 °C. Related profiles: Puntius bimaculatus, Puntius cauveriensis, Puntius chola.

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 Mahecola 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 Mahecola Barb need?

Aim for 20–24 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 20.0–24.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Mahecola Barb get, and what tank size?

Full size is 9.4–13.9 cm. Minimum tank: 232 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Mahecola Barb eat?

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

Can Mahecola Barb live with other fish?

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.

Where does Mahecola Barb come from?

It lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Mahecola Barb jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Mahecola Barb breed?

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