Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Genus: Puntius
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Genus: Puntius
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
Conservation Status : Endangered