Redline Torpedo Barb

Sahyadria denisonii

Also known as Denison barb

FreshwaterFish

Redline Torpedo Barb (Sahyadria denisonii) — NasserHalaweh · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Temperature: 59–77°F (15–25°C)
pH: 6.8–7.8
Adult size: 4.3 in (11 cm)
Minimum tank: 53 gal (200 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Common
Origin: India
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

These are peaceful but very active schooling fish that need a group of at least six and a long tank, around 200 liters or more, for the swimming room. They hold the middle water and stay calmer and more colorful in a proper group. Pair them with other active, cool-tolerant species rather than slow or delicate fish. Feed a varied diet of quality flake or pellets with frozen and occasional vegetable foods.

In the wild

Redline torpedo barbs come from fast, cool hill streams in the Western Ghats of India, flowing over rock and gravel with high oxygen and steady current. That cool water matters. They handle a wide range but prefer the lower end, so target temps from the mid teens to mid 20s C rather than tropical warmth. Give them strong flow, good oxygen, and open swimming lanes over a rocky layout. Keep the pH from about 6.8 to 7.8.

Good to know

This is a carp relative in the family Cyprinidae, reaching about 11 cm, with a silver body marked by a black and red stripe down the side. Wild populations have been hit hard by collection for the trade, and the species is considered threatened in its native range, so most fish sold now come from commercial farms. Captive breeding is possible but tricky and usually needs hormones on a farm scale.

Did you know

Heavy demand from the aquarium trade pushed wild stocks down fast after the fish became popular, which is a big part of why it carries a threatened status today. The red stripe deepens with age and a good diet, so the brightest individuals you see are usually mature, well-kept fish rather than young ones at the shop.