Burmese Bumblebee Barb
Burmese Bumblebee Barb (Pethia tiantian) is a charming small barb from the remote mountain streams of far northern Myanmar. The common name describes the distinctive pattern — a pale cream to yellowish body with a bold dark vertical bar behind the gill plate and a prominent dark blotch at the caudal peduncle, creating the bumblebee-like dark-and-pale contrast. It is collected from Kachin state, one of the most isolated and biologically rich regions in Southeast Asia.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (soak briefly) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. This species comes from cool, clean mountain streams — excellent water quality is important.
Known only from the remote mountainous area of Putao in Kachin state, far northern Myanmar — a region near the Himalayan foothills. The Nan Hto Chaung stream and the Mali Hka River are the only confirmed localities. This species is Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to its extremely limited range. Aquarium specimens are wild-caught and benefit from clean, cool, well-oxygenated water.
Keep in groups of at least six. A peaceful and relatively undemanding small barb that suits planted community tanks with other peaceful, similarly sized species. Its preference for cooler water makes it compatible with Peppered Corydoras, White Cloud Minnows, and other cool-water community fish.
Egg-scatterer. The Burmese Bumblebee Barb is a collector's fish valued for its unusual origin and distinctive pattern. Its cool, clean mountain stream habitat means pristine water quality and stable, slightly lower temperatures than typical tropical fish are important for long-term health.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Putao region, Kachin state, northern Myanmar |
| Notes | IUCN Near Threatened — very restricted natural range. Cool mountain stream origin — prefers cooler water than most tropical barbs. Bumblebee dark-and-pale pattern. Collector interest. Clean well-oxygenated water important. |
