Puntius is a genus of fish in the family Cyprinidae native to South Asia and Mainland Southeast Asia. Many species have been moved to other genera such as Barbodes and Sahyadria. The greatest species richness is in India. The maximum size for an adult of this genus is less than 25 cm (9.8 in), typically 7–15 cm (2.8–5.9 in) and many species only achieve around 5 cm (2.0 in) adult length. In appearance they may resemble miniature carp and are often brightly coloured or patterned. These fishes are omnivorous; their diet includes small invertebrates and plant matter. Breeding is by egg scattering and takes place close to the bottom, near or within areas of dense plant growth. They do not show parental care and adults may eat the young. The name Puntius comes from pungti, a Bengali term for sm