Week 2 | 2025 | TWA Newsletter
Denisonii Barb
Sahyadria denisonii
Featured Fish of the Week: Denisonii Barb (Sahyadria denisonii)
(Family: Cyprinidae)
Common Names:
Denisonii Barb, Miss Kerala, Roseline Shark, Red Line Torpedo Barb
Habitat:
Sahyadria denisonii is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka. It inhabits fast-flowing rivers and streams with clear, oxygen-rich water and a substrate of gravel or rocks. These habitats are often surrounded by dense vegetation and feature plenty of submerged plants and roots.
Image @Beta Mahatvaraj a.k.a Meenkaran
Physical Description:
The Denisonii Barb is a stunning fish with an elongated, torpedo-shaped body. Its vibrant red stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the midpoint of the body, accompanied by a parallel black stripe extending to the tail. Metallic green-gold scales add a shimmering effect, and the caudal fin features striking black and yellow markings, often tipped with red.
Behavior and Compatibility:
Active and shoaling in nature, the Denisonii Barb thrives in groups of six or more. It’s generally peaceful and does well in community tanks with similarly sized and temperamentally compatible tankmates. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Diet:
In the wild, this species feeds on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. In captivity, it accepts a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen options like bloodworms and brine shrimp. A balanced diet enhances its colors and vitality.
Aquarium Care:
- Tank Size: Minimum 4 feet in length for a group.
- Water Parameters: pH 6.8–7.8, Temperature 22–26°C.
- Tank Setup: Mimic a riverine habitat with a sandy or gravel substrate, plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood. Ensure good water flow and high oxygenation using powerheads or canister filters.
Breeding:
Breeding Sahyadria denisonii in captivity is challenging and rarely documented. It is an egg-scattering species, requiring specific water conditions and environmental triggers. Success has mainly been achieved in controlled breeding facilities.
Conservation Status:
The Denisonii Barb is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing for the aquarium trade. Conservation measures, including habitat protection and captive breeding programs, are crucial for its survival.
Interesting Fact:
Often referred to as “Miss Kerala,” Sahyadria denisonii was named to honor its home state and quickly became a star in the aquarium trade. Its dazzling appearance and graceful movements make it a favorite among aquarists worldwide.
Advocate for Conservation:
- Support initiatives aimed at protecting the natural habitats of Sahyadria denisonii.
- Educate fellow hobbyists about the importance of sustainable aquarium practices and the challenges facing wild populations.
Four in 10 freshwater species in Western Ghats face extinction, says research
As reported in the Telegraph India
Four in 10 species inhabiting inland water ecosystems in the Western Ghats face the threat of extinction, conservation scientists said on Wednesday after a worldwide assessment covering habitats critical to livelihoods and the environment.
Shown above: The Dragon snakehead, a threatened species of groundwater-dwelling fish in Kerala. Picture courtesy: VK Anoop
The assessment by an international consortium of researchers has estimated that 24 per cent of freshwater fauna worldwide are threatened with extinction, with at least 4,294 of the 23,496 freshwater animals at high risk of extinction.
The freshwater species under threat of extinction include fish, crabs, crayfishes, shrimps, dragonflies and damselflies, among others, the researchers said in a study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
Left: The Devario neilgherriensis, an endangered species found only in the streams flowing through the Nllgiri Hills.Picture: Dencin Thampy | Right: The Lambuca fasciata, a threatened species of fish from the Western Ghats.Picture: Beta Mahatvaraj
Read all about this report by G.S.Mudur in The Telegraph India on 10.01.2025
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