Mahecola Barb (Puntius mahecola)
Mahecola Barbs, Puntius mahecola, are usually peaceful and make excellent community aquarium residents. In the aquarium trade, these Barbs are uncommon but are quite popular with hobbyists who collect native species from India. As far as water conditions are concerned, these barbs are relatively hardy. This means you can combine these fish with a wide variety of other fish species.
Keeping these Mahecola Barbs in groups of eight or more is recommended since they are a schooling species. As long as you maintain them in adequate numbers, the fish will be less stressed, and the display will appear more natural. Additionally, if they are kept in large groups, they will compete with one another for female attention, encouraging the males to display their best colours.
Rainbowfish, Tetras, Livebearers, Gouramis, Catfish, and Loaches, as well as other Cyprinids, can all be housed with Mahecola Barbs
Mahecola Barbs will thrive in an aquarium with soft sand or fine gravel substrate. These fish will also appreciate good oxygen levels and plenty of free swimming space. In addition, these Barbs prefer dim lighting and enjoy a good flow of current.
Young Mahecola Barbs have a dull-looking body with two dark splotches, but as they mature, they lose the second splotch and only display it on their caudal peduncle behind their anal fin.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius mahecola |
| Year Described | 1844 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | puntius |
| Origins | India |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 15 |
| TDS | 90 - 268 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 64 - 75℉ 17.8 - 23.9℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Mahecola Barb will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying male Mahecola Barbs from females is relatively straightforward. Compared to females, adult males are typically smaller, slimmer, and have more intense patterns of colour.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mahecola Barbs a Shoaling fish?
What are the differences between female and male Mahecola Barbs?
What is the best set-up for my Mahecola Barbs?
The lighting can be somewhat subdued, and you can add lower lighting plants if you want. The temperature of your aquarium should be somewhere between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the pH level should be somewhere between 6.0 and 7.5, and the water hardness should be somewhere between 90 and 268 ppm.
Although choppy water conditions are not required, Mahecola Barbs do better when the water is well-oxygenated with some degree of flow. Therefore, using an oversized external filter or two is suggested. You should perform weekly water changes of around 30 to 50 per cent.