Pethia nigrofasciata – Purple-headed Barb
Pethia nigrofasciata was officially described in 1868 by Günther. They belong to the Cyprinidae family, (Minnows or Carps). This family is very large, it has about 376 genera and around 3,163 species.
The genus name Pethia is the generic local name for small cyprinids in Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka. The species name nigrofasciata can be broken down into two Latin words. Niger means black and fasciatus means striped, a reference to the black stripes in this species.
Synonyms: Barbus nigrofasciatus, Puntius nigrofasciatus.
This species has long been kept in the aquarium hobby. The first specimens were shipped to Europe in 1935. Because they are relatively easy to breed, traders also breed them in large numbers.
Description
Pethia nigrofasciata, or Purple-headed barbel, can reach a length of about 6.5 centimeters. This beautiful barbel owes its name to its beautiful reddish brown color, especially the deep red color of its head. The males are bright red in color and the females are slightly browner. This fish also has 3 crossbands over its body that are almost invisible due to its color.
In young males, the dorsal fin is completely dark and later completely black. In females, it is only half that dark.
The Purplehead Barb is a peaceful, lively schooling fish. Keep them in a school of 6 or more in the aquarium. It is better not to keep them together with Angelfish or Siamese Fighting Fish; otherwise, there is a chance that they will “bite” fins, as most barbs do. They swim in the lower and middle water layers.
This species is often walked past in the shop. The young fish do not yet have the striking red/purple color that the adult animals can show. To ensure that you buy both males and females, you can look at the middle black band. In the young females, this is somewhat narrower and more sharply defined than in the males. In the males, this band is somewhat wider and runs somewhat more vaguely.
Biotope
The Purple-headed Barb originates from Sri Lanka and inhabits the Kelani and Nilwala rivers basin. Habitats have been severely disrupted due to deforestation and water pollution. Many fish are endangered in this area, and if they only occur here, they are threatened with extinction.
Diet
The Purplehead Barbs are omnivores; they like live food such as mosquito larvae, fruit flies, artemia (their red color becomes more beautiful from it), frozen food, and also dry food. Provide sufficient variety.
The Aquarium
To care for the Pethia nigrofasciatus, commonly known as the Purple-headed Barb, you will need an aquarium that is at least 80 centimeters long. Set up the tank with a dark substrate, dense edge planting, and pieces of driftwood. Including floating plants can also help create a comfortable environment, as these fish prefer dim lighting. Make sure to provide plenty of swimming space and hiding spots, as they enjoy digging in the substrate.
In the wild they live together with Puntius titteya and Belontia signata . Devario malabaricus also occurs here. If you keep this species in a group they are so busy with each other that they leave other species alone.
Water parameters
Temperature: 20-27 degrees Celsius
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
GH: 2 – 15
Breeding Pethia nigrofasciata – Purple-headed Barb
Breeding these fish is quite easy. Use a breeding tank with Java moss and other fine leafy plants, and place marbles on the bottom where the eggs fall between so that the parents cannot eat them. Set the temperature a little higher (26 degrees) and make sure that the parents are well fed.
The males are now much more active and show their most beautiful colors. The skirmishes between the males become a bit more fierce, and the males look for a small territory where they attract females. The male swims busily back and forth and flaps his fins to attract a female. When she comes closer, he continues to swim busily around her and flap his fins.
The transparent eggs are scattered with short, jerky movements between leaves. After the eggs are laid, the parents are removed. The females, especially, search for edible eggs after laying. A female can produce up to 500 eggs at a time if in good condition.
At 25 degrees Celsius, the eggs hatch after about 1.5 days. The newly hatched Purplehead Barbs hide on the bottom and between the plants. There, they feed on the smallest possible food: infusion. You can feed them with infusoria. Only after a week or two weeks are they big enough to also eat freshly hatched artemia. The young grow slowly, so patience is required.
Video
Author
Coby – John de Lange
Copyright images
John de Lange
