Order Cypriniformes
Family Cyprinidae
Subfamily ( Barbinae )
Genus Puntius
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— Mahecola Barb — Puntius mahecola [Valenciennes, 1844]. Synonym: Barbus, Puntius melanostigma. (Eng. Mahecola Barb). Southwestern India. 7-9 cm. A fish with a very pleasant, delicate coloration. One pair of barbels. A horizontally elongated black spot at the base of the tail, behind the anal fin. The intensity of the spot on the caudal peduncle can vary greatly depending on the mood and condition of the fish, becoming almost imperceptible. Reddish spots on the edges of the caudal fin lobes. Similar to P. amphibius.
Despite their activity and impressive size, they have a calm, peaceful temperament. Suitable for keeping in a school of 5 or more individuals with proportionate tankmates of similar habits. Needs spacious tanks with a dark background and substrate, plantings of hard-leaved live or synthetic flora along the side and back walls, and open swimming space.
Require clean, well-filtered water with a high oxygen content. Prefer cool water, not higher than 24°C. Accept all types of frozen and dry foods. Inclusion of plant-based products in the diet is mandatory. Live for about 6 years. T 20-24°C; dH up to 18°; pH 6.5-7.5.
— Puntius sharmai [Menon & Rema Devi, 1993]. India. 3 cm. Relatively elongated body, one pair of maxillary barbels, elongated pectoral and anal fins. A dark indistinct stripe on the side ending in a spot on the caudal base, a distinctive black spot above the origin of the anal fin. Adult females are noticeably rounder, often slightly larger and less intensely colored than males.
Aquarium with densely planted vegetation, floating plants on the water surface to diffuse light, driftwood, roots, or branches to create hiding places. Very peaceful, but due to its small size and rather timid nature, it is not suitable for a community aquarium. Can be kept in a species tank or with other small species, obligatorily in a school of at least 8-10 individuals.
Do not introduce this fish into a biologically immature aquarium, they are susceptible to fluctuations in water chemistry. Filtration flow should not be strong, as they originate from sluggish waters. In the aquarium, they will accept small live and frozen food along with good quality flakes and granules. Temperature 20-26°C; pH 5.5-7.5.
— Greenstripe Barb — Puntius vittatus [Day, 1865]. Synonyms: Barbus vittatus, Puntius coorgensis, muzaffarpurensis. (Eng. Greenstripe Barb). Inhabits streams and rivers of Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. 5 cm. The shape of this fish is typical for cyprinids. Slightly varies in appearance depending on the collection site. Olive back gradually transitions to a greenish-silver belly. Olive-silver flanks with a greenish sheen, featuring a dark dot at the tail base and a pink-black stroke at the beginning of the dorsal fin.
Each scale has a dark spot. Large scales shimmer with rainbow colors under favorable lighting. All fins are slightly tinted greenish-yellow, an oblique black stripe in the form of a stroke runs along the dorsal fin, above which the fin is orange. A black spot at the base of the caudal fin. The male is slimmer and smaller than the female.
Peaceful, not very active, no preferred water layers. Young individuals gather in a school, while adults are solitary and spend most of their time hiding in plant thickets. Aquarium with dense vegetation along the perimeter, tree branches, and driftwood. Requires plenty of swimming space. Water is soft. Barbs gather food both in the water column and from the bottom. Can be fed all aquarium foods. pH 6.0-7.0; dH 3-10°; T 20-24°C.
Puntius conchonius, Rosy barb, Red barb.
Puntius oligolepis, phutunio, rohani, sahyadriensis. 
