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.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) At a Glance
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) Tank Requirements
Will Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) Water Parameters
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Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) Temperament & Compatibility
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) 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
Denison 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.
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.
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.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) 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
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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.
Top Tank Mates for Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesWrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
Ideal Tank MatesPacific Sturgeon
Acipenser transmontanus
Ideal Tank MatesMurray River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Ideal Tank MatesMadagascar Rainbowfish
Bedotia madagascariensis
Ideal Tank MatesMottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
These plants pair well with Denison Barb (Roseline Shark) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
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.
Melon Barb
Haludaria fasciata
An active, schooling cyprinid endemic to the flowing rivers of Southern India. They are named for the stunning red/pink 'melon' coloration males develop, which contrasts beautifully with their dark vertical bands. They are energetic swimmers that require plenty of open swimming space and must be kept in groups to curb potential fin-nipping behavior.
Chinese Barb (Green Barb)
Puntius semifasciolatus
A hardy, active, and peaceful schooling cyprinid originally from the Red River basin in Asia. While the wild form is a metallic green/silver, a highly popular selectively bred yellow morph (the 'Gold Barb') dominates the aquarium trade. They are distinctly subtropical and thrive in unheated or cooler water setups.
Five Banded Barb
Desmopuntius pentazona
A small, peaceful, and beautifully colored schooling cyprinid native to the blackwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Often confused with the much more aggressive Tiger Barb, the Five Banded Barb is entirely peaceful and will not nip fins. They are somewhat shy and require a well-planted tank with dim lighting or floating plants to feel secure and show their best reddish-orange colors.
Cigar Shark (Mad Barb)
Leptobarbus hoevenii
A massive, incredibly active schooling fish native to Southeast Asian rivers. Despite the 'shark' moniker, it is a giant cyprinid (carp). It grows exceptionally large and fast, requiring massive aquariums or heated ponds. Known as the 'Mad Barb' due to its erratic swimming and tendency to jump when startled. They are omnivorous and will eat anything that fits in their mouth, including smaller fish and plants.
Black Ruby Barb
Pethia nigrofasciata
An active, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded forest streams of Sri Lanka. They are peaceful but highly energetic, making excellent community fish for cooler tropical setups. Unlike the notorious Tiger Barb, Black Rubies are generally peaceful and rarely nip fins, provided they are kept in a proper shoal of at least 6. Their deep colors emerge best in heavily planted, slightly dim environments.