Pethia gelius
Pethia gelius
(dwarf barb)
Fishes
Exotic
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Balaram Mahalder © Copyright Info
Pethia gelius (Hamilton, 1822)
Common name: dwarf barb
Synonyms and Other Names: Barbus gelius (Hamilton, 1822), Puntius gelius (Hamilton, 1822); golden barb, golden dwarf barb
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics and key were given in Talwar and Jhingran (1991); Pethiyagoda et al. (2012) reassigned this species from Puntius to Pethia, and provided a key to genera related to Puntius. Photographs appeared in Sterba (1973).
Size: 5.1 cm (Rahman 1989)
Native Range: Asia. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (Talwar and Jhingran 1991); Nepal and Myanmar (museum specimens).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Pethia gelius are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
FL197419842Florida Southeast Coast; South Atlantic-Gulf Region

Table last updated 3/28/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Probable escape from fish farm.
Status: Failed in Florida.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: This species is common in the ornamental fish trade.

There are no known voucher specimens.
References: (click for full references)

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., and D.A. Hensley. 1979. Survey of introduced non-native fishes. Phase I Report. Introduced exotic fishes in North America: status 1979. Report Submitted to National Fishery Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, FL.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., H.F. Sahlman, W.W. Miley II, and D.J. Herrema. 1974. Exotic fishes in fresh and brackish waters of Florida. Biological Conservation 6(4):292-302.

Pethiyagoda, R., M. Meegaskumbura, and K. Maduwage. 2012. A synopsis of the South Asians fishes referred to Puntius (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 23(1):69-95.

Rahman, A.K.A. 1989. Freshwater fishes of Bangladesh. Zoological Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc, Neptune City, NJ.

Talwar, P.K., and A.G. Jhingran. 1991. Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries. AA Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

FishBase Summary
Author: Leo Nico, and Matt Neilson
Revision Date: 6/29/2023
Peer Review Date: 4/15/2013

Citation Information:
Leo Nico, and Matt Neilson, 2025, Pethia gelius (Hamilton, 1822): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=632, Revision Date: 6/29/2023, Peer Review Date: 4/15/2013, Access Date: 3/28/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/28/2025].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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