Dawkinsia tambraparniei (Arulius Barb) 3 cm

Origin & Habitat

• Native Range: Endemic to the Tambraparni River basin in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Natural Habitat: Fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers with moderate vegetation.

• Size: Typically reaches up to 12.8 cm (5 inches) in length.

• Temperament: Peaceful and active; ideal for community tanks.   

🏠 Aquarium Setup & Water Parameters

• Tank Size: Minimum of 120 × 45 cm (47 × 18 inches) for a group.

• Water Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 3–8 dGH

• Aquascaping: Provide open swimming areas with moderate current; include hardy plants and driftwood.  

🐠 Behavior & Tankmates

• Schooling: Best kept in groups of 6 or more.

• Tankmates: Compatible with other active, peaceful species such as Denison Barbs, Rainbowfish, and larger Loaches.

• Compatibility: Avoid keeping with small or long-finned species, as they may be outcompeted for food.  

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Omnivorous

• Food: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live/frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes.

🧬 Breeding

• Spawning Behavior: Egg scatterers; females lay eggs on the substrate, which hatch in 24–36 hours.

• Fry Care: After hatching, feed fry infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to accept larger foods.