An endangered, stunningly colored cyprinid endemic to the fast-flowing streams of the Western Ghats in India. Characterized by a torpedo-shaped body with a striking red line and black stripe. They are highly active, fast swimmers that require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and cooler tropical temperatures. They are strictly shoaling fish and can be skittish if kept in small numbers.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The classic form with the distinct red and black lateral stripes. Requires a long tank (4ft/120cm minimum) to accommodate their speed.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Gold Variant
A captive-bred xanthic morph where the black pigmentation is replaced by yellow/white, but the red stripe remains. Husbandry is identical to the standard form.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Lutino, Gold Roseline
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesDenison Barb (Roseline Shark) Care Guide Summary
The Denison Barb (Roseline Shark), scientifically known as Sahyadria denisonii, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 15°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.8 and a general hardness of 5–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Gold Variant. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Denison Barb (Roseline Shark), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation. Browse smooth aquarium gravel options to find the best fit.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Denison Barb (Roseline Shark).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions About Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
How big does Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) get?
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) (Sahyadria denisonii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Denison Barb (Roseline Shark). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) need?
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 15–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 5–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) peaceful or aggressive?
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) should be kept together?
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) benefits from plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.
Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
A hardy, active, and colorful subtropical schooling fish. Known for the male's striking rosy-red breeding dress, while females are more golden/silver. They are voracious eaters, very active swimmers, and can be fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. Best kept in cooler water compared to tropical species. The Long Finned morph is also popular but requires gentler flow.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
A highly active, stunning schooling fish known for the brilliant red lateral stripe running across the males. Originating from central Myanmar, they thrive in slightly cooler, sub-tropical water compared to typical tropical fish. They are robust and peaceful when kept in proper shoals, but may nip fins if stressed or kept in numbers too small.
Red Tailed Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
A striking and highly active bottom-dwelling cyprinid known for its jet-black body and vibrant red tail. While beautiful, they are notoriously territorial, especially toward their own kind, similar-looking species (like Rainbow Sharks), and sometimes other bottom-dwellers. They must be kept as the only 'shark' in the tank and require a large footprint with plenty of caves and broken sightlines.
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
A popular, active freshwater 'shark' (actually a cyprinid) known for its striking red fins contrasting with a dark or albino body. They are highly territorial bottom-dwellers. Only keep one per tank, as they are notoriously aggressive toward their own kind, other 'sharks' (like the Red Tail Shark), and similar-looking bottom feeders.