Unfortunately, Roloff’s Pygmy Barb – the popular name dates back to the 1950s and refers to the synonym Puntius roloffi – very rarely finds its way into our aquariums. The cute animal grows only about 3 cm long and its appearance is somewhat reminiscent of the Checkered barb, Oliotius oligolepis (formerly: Puntius o.). In contrast to the Checkered barb, which is a free-spawner, Oreichthys parvus attaches the eggs and spawns under plant leaves with its belly up. Roloff’s dwarf barb originates from Thailand.
The males of Oreichthys parvus get a vermilion-red dorsal fin, in which the otherwise typical black spot is hardly recognizable. The completely peaceful fish is excellently suited for well planted community aquariums; the species does not make any special demands on the composition of the water, medium-hard water and a pH value around the neutral point is particularly suitable for this fish that appreciates clear water with a light current. Every common fish food of suitable size is eaten.
For our customers: the animals have code 440752 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
