双点魮

Overview

A group of Pethia stoliczkana offers active but generally peaceful behavior, with males displaying particularly well during social and reproductive competition. Color differences between populations make identification less straightforward than the paired dark body markings might suggest.

Distribution & habitat

The apparent range extends from Manipur in northeastern India across much of Myanmar and Thailand to western Laos. Records span several drainages, including the Ayeyarwady and upper Mekong. Shaded streams and tributaries are more typical than large river channels or standing waters. Their clear, oxygenated water passes over sand, gravel, rocks and leaf patches, with submerged wood and marginal roots; aquatic plants may occupy quieter sections.

Aquarium setup

Allow at least 75 cm of tank length. Dark substrate and generous planting bring out the colors, while floating vegetation and branches break up overhead light. Some circulation is welcome, although exceptionally powerful filtration is unnecessary. A stream-style arrangement is also suitable, with swimming space retained among the furnishings.

Diet & feeding

This is a foraging omnivore, taking algae, diatoms, detritus and various tiny animals. Offer a mixture of quality dry foods and regular live or frozen water fleas, brine shrimp or bloodworm. Some dry food should supply plant or algal ingredients.

Behaviour & compatibility

Start with a mixed-sex group of eight to ten or more. Appropriate shoaling companions can further improve confidence. Similar-sized open-water cyprinids and suitable stream loaches are possibilities, but match their environmental requirements before combining them.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are leaner and more vividly colored, especially in the pelvic and unpaired fins.

Breeding

A trial can follow the approach used for small egg-scattering members of the genus. Prepare a dim, established-water nursery with fine plants, spawning mops or a mesh barrier, gentle aeration and slightly acidic to neutral water. Condition the adults, introduce them and remove them once eggs appear. Under this general approach, hatching is expected after roughly 24–48 hours, with free swimming about a day later. Begin with microscopic foods before moving to microworms or brine-shrimp nauplii. These genus-level timings should be treated as guidance rather than a guaranteed schedule for this species.

Notes

Confusion with Pethia ticto is widespread, but the complete lateral line of P. stoliczkana contrasts with the incomplete one in that species. Some Mandalay fish are traded as “pearlscale”. Dorsal-fin bands vary geographically, so neither a trade name nor color alone is sufficient identification.