Narayan Barb (Pethia setnai, Pethia narayani)
The fetching Narayan Barb, also called the Two Spot Barb (Pethia Narayani), are reasonably uncommon species of Barb in the aquarium trade. However, their beautiful earthy tones and peaceful disposition make them an exciting choice for any community aquarium.
This is a hardy and undemanding fish and does well in a wide range of water conditions.
Many popular fish in the hobby are compatible with Narayan Barbs, including Livebearers, Tetras, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, Loaches, Catfish, and many other Cyprinids. As with many mid-sized barbs, avoiding species with long fins is recommended due to the potential for fin nipping. It would also be best to avoid slower tank mates as these barbs are incredibly active and can easily outcompete slower inhabitants when feeding.
The Narayan Barb should be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals since it is a schooling species and a tight shoaling species compared to other barb species. Larger groups will feel more confident, resulting in more effective, natural displays. The males will also display their best colours as they compete for the attention of females.
Narayan Barbs have a light brown earthy tone to their bodies, a pinkish/browny sheen, and a distinct gold glow towards the back before the caudal fin. Males display more orangy-red dorsal, anal and pelvic fins with some white edging on the tips of the pelvic fins. In addition, this fish has three black botches, the most prominent being on its caudal peduncle and behind the gill plate. The third is located midway through the fish's body but is more diminished in comparison to the other two.
Narayan Barb (Pethia setnai, Pethia narayani) Video
Narayan Barb Pethia setnai, Pethia narayani Rare Freshwater Indian Barb Aquarium Fish Profile
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pethia setnai, Pethia narayani |
| Year Described | 1992 |
| Other Names | Sunset Barb |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Pethia |
| Origins | India |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 5 - 8 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| TDS | 90 - 268 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 68 - 79℉ 20 - 26℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Narayan 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.
Tank Mates
3 interesting tank mate ideas for the Narayan Barb could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
In Narayan Barbs, it is effortless to distinguish males from females. The males have a more intense colour pattern, are slightly slimmer, and are smaller than the females. Females, on the other hand, are fuller-bodied and have duller patterning than males.