Bitterling barb data sheet
German name:
bitterling barbel
Scientific name:
Puntius titteya
Origin:
Sri Lanka
Size:
Body length up to 5 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 80 cm width
Contents:
from 112 liters
water values
Temperature:
22°- 26° C
pH:
6 – 7
GH:
5° – 20° dH
Behave
Area:
lower area
Lining:
Flake food with vegetable components, smaller live food such as water fleas
Behave:
lively, usually very peaceful
Number:
Schooling fish, at least 10 animals
Difficulty level:
Beginner Mirko Rosenau – stock.adobe.com
Food for bitterling barbs
Bitterling barbs, Puntius titteya, reach a length of about 5 cm.
They eat a lot and practically any food, e.g. B. live food, frozen food, flake food and food tablets.
The feed must have a vegetable content.
water requirements
The water for bitterling barbs should be soft to medium-hard.
Bitterlings feel comfortable in groups.
Photo: Viola (Forum)
Bitterlings barbs only feel really comfortable in a group of 6 to animals. They need a lot of swimming space. A larger aquarium is therefore more suitable, even if they can be kept in aquariums from 60 cm in length. In such small aquaria, only bitterling barbs should be kept without additional stock. In 60 liters z. B. easily kept 6 males and 3 females. How many males and females are kept together does not seem to play a significant role.
As a rule, the bitterling barb is in the lower third of the tank and searches the bottom for anything edible. The bitterling barbs often precede the armored catfish.
The aquarium should be well planted to create enough hiding and escape opportunities, because the males are sometimes downright brawlers with each other.
Bitterling barbs are peaceful towards other fish species. A socialization with other fish in the community tank should not be a problem.
Bitterling barbs pluck at their long fins.
Bitterlings are usually very peaceful. Fishing with long fins, e.g. B. guppies and bettas, but they can shred the fins. According to one report, the fins of a male betta were so shredded overnight that the male died.
According to another report, 10 guppies and 5 barbs were kept together in a 70 liter aquarium without any problems.
gender differences
The males are red, the females are yellowish with red fins. At mating time, the male is bright red, while the female remains rather inconspicuous.
Bitterling barb, female Photo: Viola (Forum)
Bitterling barb male Photo: Viola (Forum)
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about bitterling barbel
What body size does the bitterling barb reach?
Both males and females grow up to 5 cm.
Do bitterling barbs spawn at a certain time of day?
Bitterling barbs usually spawn in the early morning hours at sunrise. Therefore, the aquarium should be set up near a window during the spawning season.