Redline Torpedo Barb

[edit] Overview

Unlike other members of the genus Puntius, this is a large, sleek, athletic fish that comes from fast-flowing Indian hill streams and rocky pools with lush vegetation. When well cared for, it is a striking aquarium fish, with metallic scales and a bold but not aggressive disposition.

In its native State of Kerala in southwest India, it is known as Chani Kanni or "Bleeding Eyes."

It has a reputation for being a pricey species, although captive breeding may make it more readily available to hobbyists. Assembling a shoal of these beauties can be an investment rather than a casual purchase.

This is sometimes reported to be a subtropical species and some say it does best at cooler temperatures. This is contradicted by a first-hand collection report by Indian aquarist Madan Subramanian, who documented finding the fish in 34.8ºC (94.6º F) muddy water on the eve of the monsoon season in Kerala. [1]

Various authors have speculated that it make take monsoon-like changes in water conditions to induce captive spawning events.

Like other members of the genus, it is usually kept in groups of at least three to allow it to exercise its strong schooling instincts.

In an article in Aquatic Conservation, (23 Sep 2008), Rajeev Raghavan et al describe this species as "an endangered cyprinid" with " highly restricted distribution, low abundance, declining populations, low catch per unit effort and increasing market prices, providing evidence of an impending conservation crisis and the need for urgent management of wild stocks."

See: Aquarium Collection Blamed for Decline in Rare Indian Barb Species.

It is not currently found on the IUCN Red List, but hobbyists are encouraged to look for captive-bred stock, reportedly originating in Indonesia and Singapore.

[edit] Feeding

Omnivore, but will feed heavily on meaty fare, including crustaceans (Mysis shrimp, enriched adult brine shrimp, insect larvae, and worms. Augment the diet with Spirulina-based herbivore rations and color-enhancing flake foods.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

Can be kept with many of the more peaceful aquarium community species, including various of the less-aggressive cichlids, which it will tend to ignore.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Reportedly difficult to induce to spawn. It may require creating monsoon conditions with warmer water, stronger water currents, and even some turbidity.

[edit] Notes

See: Aquarium Collection Blamed for Decline in Rare Indian Barb Species.

Category: Species