Denison Barb - Sahyadria denisonii : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Denison Barb (Sahyadria denisonii) is an exquisite species of freshwater fish endemic to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of the Western Ghats in India. Characterized by its streamlined body and vibrant coloration this species captures the attention of aquarists worldwide. The Denison Barb reaches up to 6 inches in length in adulthood, making it a standout addition to medium and large-sized aquariums. This species' adaptability, combined with its striking appearance, has made it increasingly popular in the aquarium trade, though it has also led to concerns about overfishing and habitat preservation.
Denison Barbs are an impressive shoaling species that require maintenance in groups of six or more individuals to thrive. When kept in smaller numbers, these fish tend to exhibit increased skittishness and fail to display their natural, relaxed behaviors. Aquatic species such as the similarly proportioned Barbs, larger Tetras, Danios, Rainbowfish, and a host of Cichlids are ideal cohorts in the aquatic realm. However, the bustling, spirited nature of the Denison Barb may overwhelm those of a more delicate constitution. The shy, the fragile, the unhurried swimmers may find it challenging to coexist with these lively Barbs.
Optimally, an aquarium intended for Denison Barbs should measure 4 feet in length or greater, and be densely planted at the sides and rear to furnish concealment spots and shaded regions. It is advisable to select sturdy plant varieties such as Anubias species and Java fern, given that Red Line Torpedo Barbs tend to graze on plants with delicate or finely textured leaves. Consequently, it is essential to ensure adequate water movement and oxygenation within the aquarium for these fish. To achieve this, spray bar returns from external filtration systems should be positioned just above the water surface to facilitate a "splashdown" effect, and the use of additional powerheads is recommended to generate increased water flow.
The Denison Barb, with its elongated, torpedo-like form, exhibits a breathtaking play of colours. Its silvery body, dappled with a golden hue, is further embellished with a jet-black streak extending from snout to tail, flanked by an arresting red line from the nose, coursing through the eye and tapering towards the midsection. The dorsal fin is adorned with a brilliant red border while the caudal fin hosts a striking design of black and yellow stripes, the forked ends presenting an intricate striping detail. A unique variation of this species, a rare gold morph, has been bred selectively for the hobbyists' delight.
1 Denison Barb variant
Below is a list of Variant/Colour Morphs of the Denison Barb
Denison Barb Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning between male and female Denison Barbs can indeed be a complex task, especially during their juvenile stage, due to the shared physical attributes and color patterns. However, as these Barbs mature and reach sexual maturity, certain subtle differences begin to emerge.
Females typically manifest a marginally larger and more rounded abdomen compared to their male counterparts. Moreover, the vibrancy of their coloration might not match the intensity exhibited by the males - the females tend to appear somewhat duller.
These nuanced distinctions, though they may require a keen eye to detect, can be incredibly useful when attempting to identify the gender of Denison Barbs within your aquarium.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sahyadria denisonii |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1865 |
| Other Names | Redline Barb, Roseline Shark, Torpedo Barb, Denisonii Barb, Denison's Flying fox, Denison's Barb, Miss Kerala, Red-line Torpedo Barb, Bleeding Eye Barb |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Sahyadria |
| Origins | India |
| Max Size | 11 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 25 |
| KH | 4 - 10 |
| TDS | 50 - 140 |
| ℉ | 65 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Denison Barb traces its roots to the rivers of the Western Ghats in India specifically, the Chalakudy, Achankovil, Pamba, Chaliar, and Kallada. In these clear, swiftly flowing, oxygen-rich streams and rivers, they are often found in expansive shoals, swimming side by side with their Mascara Barb counterparts. The surrounding verdant vegetation and rocky substrate paint an ideal backdrop for their habitat.
Regrettably, the growing allure of the Denison Barb has had its unintended consequences. Due to rampant overfishing triggered by their escalating popularity, these stunning fish now bear the somber designation of an endangered species. However, amidst this grim reality, a silver lining has emerged.
In recent times, a substantial majority of Denison Barbs are bred in captivity, a development that has brought much-needed relief to the beleaguered wild populations. Now, they have an opportunity to recover and flourish in their natural environment. In a fortuitous twist, commercial breeding has also led to a significant drop in their cost, a change that once seemed unattainable given their high demand.
This turn of events has opened the door to greater accessibility, enabling both fish enthusiasts and conservationists to partake in the joy of owning these beautiful creatures. Introducing the Denison Barb into your aquarium not only adds a splash of vibrancy to your underwater world but also supports their ongoing survival
Breeding
Sadly, there is a lack of reliable information and recommendations about breeding the Denison Barb in a home aquarium. While there have been sporadic accounts of accidental breeding by hobbyists in various forums, there is no well-documented procedure for reproducing this process without the use of hormone treatments.
On commercial fish farms, Denison Barb breeding currently involves inducing the fish to spawn with an ovaprim hormone treatment. The eggs produced via this method are then used to cultivate the species for the aquarium trade. This technique, however, is not suitable for hobbyists looking to breed these fish in their home aquariums.
The widespread popularity of the Denison Barb in the aquarium hobby over the past few decades has unfortunately led to overexploitation of their wild populations. This has resulted in the species being listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. In their natural habitat, spawning season for Denison Barb is believed to take place between November and March.
Diet & Feeding
In the wild, Denison Barbs rely on a diet composed primarily of insects and crustaceans. Their palate extends to the plant kingdom as well, often grazing on algae and other plant material. However, when it comes to a home aquarium setting, these Barbs demonstrate a remarkably diverse and undiscriminating appetite.
They willingly accept a wide array of foods, from dried options like flakes and granules, to live and frozen varieties like bloodworms and daphnia. Vegetation, such as blanched broccoli and spinach, is also gladly consumed, providing some connection to their natural dietary habits. Worth noting is the feeding frenzy that typically ensues with Denison Barbs. Their feeding behavior can be categorized as fervently aggressive, with the Barbs swiftly consuming all the available food. This rapid eating habit might pose a challenge for slower or bottom-dwelling species, potentially denying them access to their fair portion of food.
To rectify this, it is advised to incorporate an additional feeding session later in the evening, just before the aquarium lights are turned off. This would give bottom-dwelling species, such as Corydoras catfish or various Plecos species, ample opportunity to find and consume their share of food. In essence, offering Denison Barbs a balanced and diverse diet is key to ensuring their overall health and well-being within a home aquarium. The aim is to mimic their natural dietary habits as closely as possible, providing a variety of nutrients to promote their vibrant coloration and active behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Videos
9 tank mate ideas for the Denison Barb
Looking for some awesome tank mate ideas for your Denison Barb? Look no further! Here are 9 of the most captivating & fascinating options that will liven up your aquarium!
Other Barbs
42 More Barbs Profiles
View All