Denison Barb

Puntius denisonii

Habitat & Distribution :  India

Diet : Small crustaceans, worms, algae, moss 

Size : 15 cm 

Lifespan : 5-8 years

Description

These small fish are characterized by black and red lines along their torpedo-shaped bodies. 

Behavior

Denison barb are shoaling fish. Found in rocky freshwater bodies with abundant vegetation, its native distribution is in the Achenkovil, Pamba, and Chaliyar rivers in India. Its population is threatened in the wild due to habitat loss. 

Reproduction

They breed during the monsoon season within fast-flowing, rocky streams of India's Western Ghats. They are schooling fish that rely on high oxygen levels and clean water, with spawning triggered by seasonal environmental cues. Females produce around 200–500 semi-adhesive eggs that attach to vegetation or substrate. 

Communication & Perception

They are highly social, gregarious fish that communicate primarily through schooling behavior and social interaction. 

Predator(s)

Larger fish and birds