Week 1 | 2025 TWA Newsletter

Featured Fish Of The Week: Barilius ardens

Barilius ardens

Fiery Barilius

Barilius ardens

(Family: Cyprinidae)

Common Name: Fiery Barilius

Habitat:

Barilius ardens is primarily found in fast-flowing streams and rivers of the Western Ghats in India. These waters are typically clear, oxygen-rich, and have rocky or gravelly substrates. The species thrives in habitats with moderate to strong currents, often in shallow sections of streams.

Physical Description:

Barilius ardens is a stunning fish, showcasing a slender, elongated body adorned with shimmering metallic hues. The scales reflect shades of silver and blue, complemented by prominent vertical black bands along the flanks. A distinctive fiery orange coloration on the fins gives this species its common name. The streamlined body and forked tail make it an adept swimmer in flowing waters.

Behavior and Compatibility:

This species is known for its active and energetic behavior. In an aquarium, it should be housed with other similarly active fish that can tolerate current. Barilius ardens can be kept in groups, but they require ample swimming space and prefer a tank setup that mimics their natural habitat.

Diet:

In the wild, Barilius ardens feeds on insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates. In captivity, it readily accepts a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, live, or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Supplementing their diet with insect-based feeds ensures vibrant coloration and optimal health.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: Minimum 3 feet in length for a group.
• Water Parameters: pH 6.5–7.5, Temperature 22–26°C, moderate to high flow rate.
• Tank Setup: Provide a well-oxygenated tank with plenty of flow. Use smooth rocks, driftwood, and plants like Vallisneria to create a natural stream-like environment.

Breeding:

Breeding in captivity is rare but possible in large, well-maintained tanks with strong water flow. Spawning usually occurs in groups, with eggs scattered over rocky substrates. The fry require microscopic food like infusoria during their early stages.

Something exciting

coming soon...

Industry News & Updates

Tica has launched the Tica Color Up 3 light and it is now available in India.

It comes with the enhanced features, adding over the previous 2 versions:

• It has a 2-in-1 (Color UP display and tanning mode)
• It enhances the original fish color by 300%
• It is suitable for all kinds of freshwater and saltwater fish
• It has Hi-power Color Up LED's
• It has Hi-power tanning LED's
• It is Waterproof - IP68 rating (submergeable up to 1 meter)
• It has a Hi-transparency glass tube
• It has an Aluminum heat sink inside
• It has a Display mode light color: Color enhance white
• It has a Tanning mode light color: Blue beam + UV
• It is available in sizes: 88cm (for 3ft aquarium) / 112cm (for 4ft aquarium) / 142cm (for 5ft aquarium) / 172cm (for 6ft aquarium)
• And it comes with Warranty: 6 months against manufacturing defects

The new Tica Color Up 3 is now available in India with Tulip Aqua. You may reach out to Tulip Aqua on +91 98200 72339 for further enquiries.

Register for the Ratnagiri Ornamental Fish Farmer Trust Workshop. For anyone in the trade or interested in getting into Ornamental Fish farming.

Topic: Marketable Ornamental Fishes (Demand & Supply)

Time: 9:00 PM to 10.30PM

Panellists:

Sanjay Khandagale | Shriram Hatwalne | Hasan Mhaslai | Paresh Patil | Amit Suware

Clink on the button below to register:

Upcoming Workshop by Aquarium Hobbyists of Hyderabad

Aquarium Hobbyists of Hyderabad (AHH) are organizing their 4th workshop on the 9th of Feb 2025, and this time AHH is expecting even more registration as gauged from the excitement from the local hobbyist in the various social media platforms.

Did you know that these workshops are so well organised that they have been featured in aquarium magazines like 'The Aquatic Gardener'?

Register at the earliest as there are limited seats available.