Pethia erythromycter · Lipstick Barb

Overview

Male Pethia erythromycter show red around the mouth and can turn dark blue in breeding condition. Despite small size, males dispute vigorously. Space, dense visual cover, and a female-biased group matter more than treating it as an ordinary peaceful miniature barb.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in northern Myanmar's upper Irrawaddy drainage, including streams around Myitkyina and Lake Indawgyi.

Lake images show relatively clear water, thick aquatic growth, and algae over apparently soft clay mixed with decomposing plants. The northeastern outlet passes through marshland before reaching an Irrawaddy tributary. Lake conditions cannot fully represent its separate stream habitats.

Aquarium setup

Plant densely and interrupt sight lines in many places. Open surroundings can intensify male fighting. Floating cover and roots soften light and add shelter. Its small adult size is not a reason to reduce the required aquarium length.

Diet & feeding

It is a generalized omnivore, with small invertebrates, algae, diatoms, and organic particles among presumed natural foods. The detailed prey mix remains tentative.

Captive feeding is straightforward. Combine regular small live or frozen bloodworms, water fleas, and Artemia with quality flakes or granules, including some plant- or algae-enriched food.

Behaviour & compatibility

Robust active small cyprinids or suitable loaches can work. Slow or long-finned companions risk feeding competition or fin damage.

Males frequently spar during daylight, especially in small groups or restricted space. Aim for at least four females per male. A larger group exceeding twenty may also spread conflict, provided accommodation and shelter expand accordingly.

Sexual dimorphism

Males have red mouths, with a narrow red extension toward the dorsal region in dominant fish. Breeding males become inky blue and develop snout tubercles. Mature females are generally larger and fuller-bodied.

Breeding

The genus's general egg-scattering method offers a framework rather than a fully verified species-specific sequence. Use dim accommodation and mesh, artificial grass, marbles, fine plants, or mops to protect eggs. Keep water near neutral within the appropriate range, toward the warmer end of the suitable temperature range, with gentle air-driven oxygenation.

Introduce one or two conditioned pairs or transfer a pair seen separating from the main group to spawn. Remove adults when eggs appear. Generic guidance gives 36–48 hours to hatch and another 24–48 to free swimming. Begin with minute infusoria-grade food, then microworms and Artemia nauplii. At around ten days, crushed preparations or grindal worms may be tried according to mouth size.

Notes

Trade appearances began in 2006, followed by formal description in 2008; Tulip barb is another label. Red mouth pigmentation, a short curved lateral line, dark tail-base band, absent barbels, and two rows of dorsal spots form a more useful identification set than red lips alone.