Description
Spotted Sail Barb — Pethia phutunio
The Spotted Sail Barb (Pethia phutunio), also known as the Phutuni Barb or Dwarf Barb, is a small, peaceful schooling fish native to South Asia. Its petite size, gentle temperament and shimmering spotted pattern make it an excellent choice for planted and natural-style aquariums.
Care Information
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Adult size: 2.5–4 cm
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Temperature: 21–26°C
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pH: 6.0–7.0 (soft to neutral water)
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Tank size: Minimum 60–80 litres for a healthy school
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Diet: Omnivorous — quality micro-pellets/flakes, plus live or frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm
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Temperament & grouping: Peaceful; thrives in groups of 6–10+
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Tank setup: Planted tank with gentle flow, open swimming space, floating plants for shade and a fine substrate
Why Choose the Spotted Sail Barb?
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Perfect for planted and nano tanks: Their small size and peaceful nature make them ideal for community aquariums.
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Hardy and low-maintenance: Adaptable and easy to keep when provided clean, well-oxygenated water.
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Beautiful schooling behaviour: When kept in a group, they display tight, active schooling and lovely natural colours.
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A unique alternative: Less common than many other barbs, offering something distinctive for your display or community setup.
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