Denison Barb

Sahyadria denisonii

Medium
📏
Max Size
15cm (6″)
🏠
Min Tank Size
113L
⚗️
pH Range
6.5 - 7.5
🌡️
Temperature
22-26°C
(72-79°F)
🐟
Temperament
Peaceful

Care Requirements

💧 Water Parameters

pH Level
6.5 - 7.5
Temperature
22-26°C (72-79°F)

🏠 Tank Setup

Minimum Tank Size
113 Litres (29.9 US Gallons)
Minimum Shoal Size
6+ fish
Temperament
Peaceful

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous, prefers a varied diet including high-quality flakes/pellets, live/frozen foods, and vegetable matter

🐟 Community Compatibility

Peaceful community tank.

⚥ Sexual Dimorphism

Males are generally more colorful with intense red and black markings, especially on the flanks. Females are usually smaller and less vibrant in coloration.

🌍 Origin

Southeast Asia

About Denison Barb

Denison Barbs, also known as Red Line Torpedo Barbs or Denison's Barb, are a visually stunning and active freshwater fish species originating from the Western Ghats region of southern India.

Denison Barbs have a sleek, torpedo-shaped body adorned with vibrant colors. They feature a prominent red lateral line extending horizontally from their gills to the tail. Their upper body is adorned with silver or metallic greenish-blue scales, contrasting against a distinctive black band. The fins are typically red or orange, enhancing their overall visual appeal.

Denison Barbs are native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of the Western Ghats in southern India. They inhabit areas with rocky substrates, dense vegetation, and strong water currents, emulating their natural habitat.

They primarily feed on small invertebrates and insects, as well as plant matter. A high-quality flake or pellet food can serve as a staple diet, complemented by occasional offerings of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and vegetable matter.

Denison Barbs coexist well with active and similarly sized fish species. Suitable tank mates may include barbs, danios, rasboras, and rainbowfish. It's advisable to avoid pairing them with slow-moving or long-finned fish due to potential fin-nipping behavior.

Breeding Denison Barbs in captivity can be challenging and relatively rare. Successful breeding may require specific conditions, including warmer water temperatures, excellent water quality, and a well-conditioned group or pair of males and females. Specialized care might be necessary for the delicate fry to ensure their survival.

In conclusion, Denison Barbs captivate aquarium enthusiasts with their stunning appearance, active nature, and shoaling behavior. They require a well-maintained tank with appropriate hiding spots and compatible tank mates. While breeding can be challenging, their vibrant colors and graceful movements make them a desirable addition to freshwater aquariums.

Ready to Add Denison Barb to Your Tank?

Use our free stocking calculator to see if Denison Barb fits your aquarium setup!

Try the Stocking Calculator

Keep Your Denison Barb Happy with Fishi

Track your aquarium's health and ensure your Denison Barb are thriving with the Fishi mobile app!

  • ✓ Monitor water parameters for optimal Denison Barb health
  • ✓ Get reminders for water changes and maintenance
  • ✓ Track feeding schedules
  • ✓ Log tank observations and fish behavior
  • ✓ Manage multiple tanks effortlessly
Download on App StoreGet it on Google Play

Loved by over 100,000 fishkeepers

Fishi mobile app showing aquarium management dashboard