Puntius denisonii Barbus

If you enjoy colorful, active fish, the Puntius denisonii, also called the Red Line Torpedo or Denison’s barb, could be the ideal addition to your aquarium. This striking fish, which is indigenous to India’s rivers, is well-known for both its vibrant appearance and vivacious nature. It adds excitement and color to any tank with its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and bright red lines.

But Denison’s jab goes beyond appearances. Because of their reputation for being lively, these fish are fascinating to watch. Since they are gregarious animals that do best in groups, it is best to keep them in schools of six or more. Any aquarium can become a dynamic scene with constant movement and interaction thanks to their playful behavior and schooling habits.

Although Denison’s barbs don’t require much care, they do have certain requirements in order to remain strong and healthy. They thrive in larger tanks with lots of swimming room and a pH between slightly acidic and neutral. They prefer well-oxygenated water. To help replicate their natural habitat and maintain a sense of security, provide them with a well-planted area with hiding places.

All things considered, the Puntius denisonii is a fish that is worth taking into consideration if you’re searching for a fish that blends beauty, activity, and a little personality. These barbs can add visual appeal and dynamic energy to your aquarium, making them a stunning focal point with proper care and planning.

Habitat and range

Indigenous to the southern Indian states of Kerala and Karnataka.

Small populations of it can still be found in the river systems of Valapatanam, Chaliar, Kallar, Karyangod, Kuttiyadi, Chandragiri, Sullia, Kuppam, Iritti, Anjarakandeepuzha, Bhavani, and Bharatapuzha. Its current distribution is extremely fragmented.

Found mostly in the pure, oxygen-rich upper reaches of mountain streams and rivers that have a lot of coastal vegetation. It is presumably busier at dawn and dusk than it is during the day.

Description

The body of the elongated lanceolate is painted a silvery-gold hue. Olive is the back color. A black stripe delineates the center of the body, over which a red stripe extends from the snout to beneath the base of the dorsal fin.

Transverse black and yellow stripes can be seen on the caudal fin’s lobes, which are shaped like a fork. The initial rays on the dorsal fin are red. The remaining fins are transparent and colorless.

Size

It can reach 15 cm in the wild and slightly less than 9 to 11 cm in captivity.

Arrangement and parameters of the aquarium

A fish that is fairly demanding and challenging to care for. is limited to living in flocks of seven or more, the larger the flock, the better. Being naturally shy, they are completely incapable of living a normal life or acting normally when left alone. The fish becomes frightened by any movement in front of the aquarium and tries to leap out. Young people have an easier time adjusting to new situations.

A group of seven barbs will need an aquarium that holds 200 liters, or better yet, 400 liters. The fish’s high activity level and rapid swimming speed, as well as their mature size, account for this. It is preferable that the container be longer, and make sure the lid is closed, for the same reason.

As soil, small pebbles, river sand, or granite chips work well. Different substrate types can be mixed together. The most important factor is that there are no chemical impurities in the soil used. The fish’s color is better emphasized by the dark soil.

It will not be unnecessary to place a few grottoes and snags close to the side walls. It doesn’t damage aquatic plants, and a broad range of plants are acceptable, including hornwort, feathery leaf, vallisneria, cryptocoryne, and elodea.

It doesn’t need any special lighting, but considering the conditions of its natural habitat, it’s best to give the fish enough bright light—which is also essential for plant growth.

Water parameters:

Temperature range: 15–27 °C for the minimum and maximum. pH: water with a slightly acidic or neutral pH of 6.5-7.8 RESS: 8–12 ° DH

Fish require strong aeration because they live in mountain rivers and need oxygen to survive. The filter should be able to provide the aquarium with water that is nearly as pure as that found in a mountain stream. Muddy water and organic pollution disgust Barbus Denison. A third of pure, settled water that has been heated to the aquarium’s water temperature needs to be added each week. Installing a pump that produces a stream of water that fish are accustomed to will be helpful.

These barbuses get along well with other non-aggressive species because they are calm but incredibly shy animals.

Nutrition

Omnivorous, they naturally consume algae, insects, and their larvae. Food is consumed inside the aquarium. It’s important to vary the diet and include things like dried gammarus and daphnia, live and frozen brine shrimp, tubifex, bloodworms, and daphnia. from scorched lettuce leaves, a plant food.

It is said that increasing the amount of foods high in carotenoids, like astaxanthin, in the diet can improve red pigmentation.

Sexual Dimorphism

With the exception of the more rounded abdomen found in females, which is a trait shared by nearly all fish species, there are essentially no sexual differences.

Breeding

There are currently no specific breeding recommendations for this fish because it has only recently been seen in decorative aquariums. On the other hand, there are records of multiple successful captive breeding cases.

To accomplish this, you’ll need a sizable 200-liter container, into which the entire school of seven to fifteen fish is simultaneously released. It gets hotter, reaching 28 °C. A sudden drop in acidity to 5.7 promotes sprouting. Peat can be added to the spawning tank in order to accomplish this. Java moss covers the entire bottom.

During the spawning season, the backs of many fish turn bluish in color.

After spawning, adult fish are taken out of the spawning aquarium.

Larger feeds are gradually added to the infusoria that the fry are fed. Sorting the fry is essential, as is gradually bringing the water’s parameters up to the standard needed for mature fish.

The lifespan of a Denison barb is eight years.

Aspect Description
Common Name Denison Barb
Scientific Name Puntius denisonii
Origin India, particularly from the River Cauvery
Size Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Appearance Bright red with horizontal black stripes and a silver body
Tank Size Minimum 75 gallons
Water Conditions Soft to moderately hard water, pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Diet Omnivorous; enjoys high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
Behavior Active and social; prefers to be in groups
Tank Mates Peaceful fish of similar size; avoid very small or overly aggressive species
Special Notes Requires plenty of swimming space and is best suited for larger tanks

To sum up, the Puntius denisonii, also referred to as the Denison barb, is an exceptional option for aquarium hobbyists. It is an amazing addition to any tank because of its vivid colors and lively behavior. As long as their basic needs are met, these fish, with their striking red and silver hues, are not only beautiful to look at but also relatively easy to care for.

Make sure you provide your Denison barbs with a roomy tank with lots of swimming room and a clean, well-kept environment to keep them happy and healthy. It is best to keep them in schools with at least six students because they do best in groups. They will also remain lively and active with a varied diet and frequent water changes.

All things considered, the Denison barb is an excellent choice for novice and expert aquarists alike. Its lively personality and striking appearance can add a great deal of happiness to your aquarium arrangement. These fish will surely become favorites in your aquarium if given the proper care and attention.

Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose Puntius denisonii, better known as the Denison barb, because it is a gorgeous freshwater fish with striking colors and an energetic disposition. This fish, which is indigenous to the rivers of India and Nepal, does best in aquariums that are densely planted, have lots of swimming room, and are clean, well-oxygenated spaces. Its striking red and silver stripes give it a unique appearance, and its calm attitude toward other fish makes it an interesting addition to a community tank. It’s crucial to give these barbs the right care, including a balanced diet and suitable tank conditions, to keep them happy and healthy.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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