Dawkinsia assimilis (Mascara Barb) 7-8 cm

Origin & Habitat

• Native Range: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats in India, particularly in the river basins of Netravati, Chalakudy, and Kallada.

• Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitats, including slow-flowing areas with muddy substrates, clear-water, rocky substrates, and relatively fast-flowing streams. 

🐠 Appearance & Behavior

• Size: Typically reaches up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length.

• Coloration: Features a bicolored body with predominantly orange, silver, and rose hues. Males exhibit more vivid red dorsal fins and develop tubercles on their heads during breeding.

• Behavior: A peaceful species that prefers to live in small groups. They are diurnal and exhibit a well-established social hierarchy within their groups.

🏠 Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum of 200 liters (approximately 53 gallons) with a frontage of at least 120 cm (47 inches).

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F).

  • pH: 6.0–7.5.

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.

• Diet: Omnivorous; enjoys a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and live/frozen options.

• Tankmates: Best kept with other peaceful to semi-aggressive species of similar size. 

🧬 Breeding

• Reproduction: Egg scatterers; males develop vivid red dorsal fins and tubercles on their heads during breeding.

• Sex Ratio: An ideal sex ratio features two females for each male.