The spotted barb, also known as the Puntius binotatus, is a small freshwater fish species found in streams and rivers in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is a popular aquarium fish and is prized for its attractive coloration and peaceful temperament.
The spotted barb has a sleek, streamlined body that can grow up to 8 centimeters in length. Its body is silver in color with two distinctive black spots on each side, and it has red fins that add to its striking appearance. The males of the species are generally more colorful than females.
In the wild, the spotted barb is an omnivorous species, feeding on small aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In aquariums, it can be fed a varied diet of pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.
| Serial no | Characteristics | Description |
| 1 | Common name | Spotted Barb Fish |
| 2 | Scientific Name | Puntius binotatus |
| 3 | Colour | Silvery with black spots on body and fins |
| 4 | Average length in m | 0.05 to 0.10 |
| 5 | Average weight in kgs | 0.001 to 0.002 |
| 6 | Found in river systems of India | Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery |
| 7 | Habitat | Freshwater rivers and streams with moderate to fast water currents |
| 8 | Any special characteristics | The most distinguishing feature of this fish is the black spot located near the tail fin, which gives it its name. |
Features
Spotted barb fish (Puntius binotatus) is a freshwater fish species that is native to Southeast Asia. Spotted barb fish typically grow to be about 6 to 8 centimeters long, although some individuals may reach up to 10 centimeters in length. They have an elongated body shape, and their coloration is generally a silver-gray with a slightly yellowish tint. The most distinguishing feature of this fish is the black spot located near the tail fin, which gives it its name. The weight of a Spotted barb fish can vary depending on factors such as its age, diet, and environment. However, they generally weigh around 3 to 5 grams. Spotted barb fish are relatively fast swimmers and are known for their agility and speed in the water. They can swim at speeds of up to 30 to 40 km/h.
Spotted barb fish are social creatures and tend to swim in schools. They are known to be active during the day and rest at night.They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter, including algae, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. Spotted barb fish are also popular among hobbyist aquarists, as they are easy to care for and can live in a variety of aquarium setups.
Habitat
They are typically found in slow-moving or still waters such as streams, rivers, and ponds, and can be found in both clear and murky water. In the wild, they prefer areas with vegetation, such as submerged plants, where they can find food and shelter. They are also known to adapt well to various environments and can be found in both natural and man-made habitats, including rice paddies, canals, and reservoirs.
River System
In the Ganges River system, they are commonly found in the upper stretches of the river, including its tributaries such as the Yamuna, Ramganga, and Kosi rivers. In the Brahmaputra River system, they are found in the upstream areas of the river and its tributaries such as the Subansiri and Lohit rivers.
Spotted Barb Fish are also found in the Mahanadi River system, which is one of the major river systems in the Indian state of Odisha. They are found in the upstream areas of the river and its tributaries such as the Tel and Ib rivers. In the Godavari River system, they are found in the upper stretches of the river and its tributaries such as the Wardha, Penganga, and Pranhita rivers.In the Cauvery River system, they are found in the upper stretches of the river and its tributaries such as the Hemavati, Kabini, and Shimsha rivers.
Threatened Status
The Spotted barb fish (Puntius binotatus) is not currently considered to be a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many freshwater fish species, it may face threats in the future due to habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, and the introduction of invasive species.
In areas where Spotted barb fish are commercially harvested for the aquarium trade, there is a risk of overfishing if the population is not well managed. Additionally, habitat destruction and pollution from human activities can impact the quality of the water in which these fish live and may harm their populations.
