The Stoliczkae Barb (Pethia stoliczkae) is an active and visually striking freshwater fish, recognized for its silver-golden body and prominent black vertical stripes. It is a hardy schooling species suitable for community aquariums, adding both color and dynamic activity.
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The Stoliczkae Barb (Pethia stoliczkae) is an active and visually striking freshwater fish, recognized for its silver-golden body and prominent black vertical stripes. It is a hardy schooling species suitable for community aquariums, adding both color and dynamic activity.
Small to medium-sized, laterally compressed body with silver-golden coloration and 5–6 black vertical stripes along the body. Fins are slightly reddish in males during breeding. Adults reach up to 2.5 inches (6 cm).
4–6 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Stoliczkae Barbs are colorful, peaceful, and lively schooling fish. Maintaining proper group size, water parameters, and a balanced diet ensures they thrive and display their vibrant coloration.
Easy — hardy and adaptable for beginner aquarists.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
5–12 dGH
74–78°F (23–26°C)
2.5 inches (6 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as tetras, danios, and small barbs.
Avoid very small or slow-moving fish that may be stressed or nipped.
Pethia stoliczkae
Cyprinidae
South and Southeast Asia – India, Pakistan, Myanmar
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a varied diet including flakes, pellets, and occasional live/frozen foods to maintain health and coloration.
Egg scatterer. Spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed post-spawning to prevent egg predation.
Provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.0, temperature 74–78°F / 23–26°C). Scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days. Feed fry infusoria initially, then transition to baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C), Hardness: 5–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality is poor or schooling numbers are insufficient.
Peaceful but active; best kept in schools of 6 or more to display natural behavior and reduce stress.
Active, schooling, and peaceful. Prefers mid-level swimming zones and benefits from groups of 6 or more.
Native to South and Southeast Asia, the Stoliczkae Barb is admired for its distinct coloration and peaceful, active nature. Males tend to display more intense colors during breeding, while females are slightly paler. This species thrives in planted aquariums with open swimming areas and moderate water flow. Ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists, Stoliczkae Barbs are hardy, schooling fish that adapt well to community tanks.