fish · Cyprinidae
Denison barb
Sahyadria denisonii
Wild range: Western Ghats hill streams and upper river basins of Kerala and Karnataka, southern India (highly oxygenated rocky pools with riparian vegetation) (Asia)
At a glance: Denison barb care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Denison barb?
The compiled profile lists 15.0–25.0 °C for Denison barb (Sahyadria denisonii). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Denison barb?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 55.0 US gallons (208.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Denison barb?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.5–7.8. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Fast-flowing, cool, oxygen-rich headwaters and rocky pools with dense bank vegetation in the Western Ghats. Prefers clean water with moderate current; intolerant of organic pollution (Seriously Fish, FishBase).
Where they are found
Catalog primary name Sahyadria denisonii (Day, 1865) per trade/Seriously Fish/task lock (Raghavan et al. 2013 erected Sahyadria). CoF CURRENT STATUS and FishBase/Wikipedia treat the species as Dawkinsia denisonii (Day 1865) after Ren et al. 2020 / Chan et al. 2023 — noted here; family Cyprinidae. ITIS still lists Puntius denisonii (Day, 1865) as valid (TSN 689798). Older combinations: Labeo denisonii, Barbus denisonii, Crossocheilus denisonii, Puntius denisonii. Do not confuse with Sahyadria/Dawkinsia chalakkudiensis (often mis-sold; duller red stripe, black dorsal mark, more belligerent). IUCN Endangered (assessed 2010/published 2015 as Sahyadria denisonii) — wild stocks declined from aquarium collection and habitat degradation; prefer captive-bred stock. Local names include Miss Kerala / Chorai Kanni; trade names Roseline shark, red-line torpedo barb.
Aquarium care
Active schooling Western Ghats barb that needs more space than tetra staples: plan at least a 55 US gallon (~208 L) tank for a group (Aqueon cites 55+ for denisonii barbs; LiveAquaria/Aquatic Arts list 50 gal; Seriously Fish recommends a ~120×45 cm / ~64 US gal footprint). Prefer cooler tropical water 15–25°C (do poorly when kept too warm long-term), pH about 6.5–7.8, GH 5–25, with strong filtration, high dissolved oxygen, and moderate current. Secure lid — known jumpers. Plant-safe (does not typically uproot or shred plants) but keep a proper school of 6–10+ so they are less nervous and less likely to hassle tankmates; understocked or bored groups may nip soft fins. Weekly large water changes help keep organics low. Prefer captive-bred fish given IUCN Endangered status of wild populations.
Feeding
Omnivore: quality flakes/granules plus regular live/frozen (bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia) and some vegetable matter (zucchini/cucumber or plant-based foods). Sinking foods help; carotenoid-rich diets may intensify the red stripe (Seriously Fish, LiveAquaria, Aquatic Arts).
Compatibility
Generally peaceful community fish when schooled with similarly sized, active companions (rainbowfish, larger barbs, robust midwater species). Avoid tiny nanos, slow long-finned fish, and dwarf shrimp that can become prey. Cooler preferred temp rules out discus and other warm specialists. Watch for mislabelled S. chalakkudiensis, which is more aggressive (Seriously Fish, Aquarium Co-Op, Aqueon barb guide).
Breeding
Most aquarium stock is commercially farm-bred (often hormone-stimulated) in Asia/Europe. Hobby spawnings are uncommon; reports include soft acidic water with moss and large groups. No parental care; adults may eat eggs. Prefer captive-bred over wild-caught given conservation status (Seriously Fish, Wikipedia).
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.