Sahyadria denisonii (Denison Barb) 2.8-3.5 cm

Origin & Habitat

• Native Range: Endemic to the Western Ghats in southern India, specifically found in the Achenkovil, Pamba, and Chaliyar rivers, including tributaries like Cheenkannipuzha.

• Habitat: Prefers fast-flowing, well-oxygenated streams and rivers with rocky substrates and dense vegetation.  

🐠 Appearance & Behavior

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

• Coloration: Silver body with a distinctive red horizontal stripe running from the snout through the eye to the tail, complemented by a black line below it. Mature individuals may develop a greenish-blue hue on the head.

• Temperament: Active and peaceful; best kept in schools of 6 or more to exhibit natural social behaviors.  

🏠 Aquarium Care

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

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F).

  • pH: 6.8–7.8.

  • Hardness: 5–25 dGH.

• Filtration: Requires strong filtration and moderate to high water flow to mimic natural conditions.

• Tankmates: Compatible with other peaceful species of similar size; avoid keeping with very small invertebrates. 

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.

• Food: High-quality dry foods, supplemented with fresh vegetables like zucchini and cucumber, and meaty frozen or freeze-dried foods.  

🧬 Breeding

• Reproduction: Egg scatterers; breeding in captivity is rare and often achieved through hormone-induced methods.