More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 80 litres / 21.13 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 7.5cm / 2.95inches |
| Temperature | 18°C / 64.40°F - 24°C / 75.20°F |
| Hardness | 5.04dgH / 90ppm - 15.02dgH / 268ppm |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
General Description
The Puntius Mahecola is a species uncommon in the international aquarium trade but popular among native species enthusiasts in India. It has a chaotic taxonomic history, misidentified as the congener P. amphibius, now clarified as a smaller, plain species with a single dark blotch on the caudal peduncle. This fish is peaceful, suitable for community aquariums, and prefers to be kept in schools of 8-10 specimens to display natural behavior and vibrant colors.
Aquarium Setup
The P. Mahecola thrives in a well-maintained aquarium with sand or gravel substrate, water-worn rocks, driftwood, and aquatic plants like Microsorum or Anubias. It prefers well-oxygenated water with moderate flow, making an oversized external filter advisable. Water conditions should include pH levels of 6.0-7.5, hardness of 90-268ppm, and a temperature range of 18-24°C. Regular water changes of 30-50% tank volume are recommended.
Behaviour
This species is peaceful and ideal for community tanks with various fish species. P. Mahecola is a schooling fish, displaying its best colors when kept in larger numbers. It competes for female attention, creating a more effective and natural-looking aquarium display.
Feeding and Diet
Being an omnivore, P. Mahecola likely feeds on worms, insects, plant material, and organic detritus in the wild. In captivity, they readily accept small live and frozen foods like bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia. A balanced diet with quality dried flakes and granules, including plant or algal content, is essential for their health and coloration.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Information on the reproduction of P. Mahecola is currently unrecorded. Adult males of the species are slightly smaller, slimmer, and exhibit more intense color patterns compared to females.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to rivers in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in India, P. Mahecola inhabits shallow, slow-flowing river sections with sandy or muddy substrates. It can also be found in lagoons and artificial lakes. The species coexists with a variety of other fish species such as Pethia conchonius, Dravidia fasciata, and Garra mcclellandi in its natural habitat.