The red line torpedo barb or Denison barb (Puntius denisonii) is a subtropical fish belonging to the barb genus in the minnow family. It originates in fast-flowing hill streams and rivers of India.

Physical characteristics

The fish is characterized by a torpedo shaped body with silver scales, a red line running from their head, through the eye, back towards the middle of the body, and below the red line, a black line that runs the length of the fish to the tail. The fish will grow to a maximum length of 6 inches (15 centimeters).

Habitat

Red line torpedo barbs natively live in a subtropical climate in water with a 6.8–7.8 pH, a water hardness of 5–25 dGH, and a temperature range of 60–77 °F (15–25 °C).

Name origins

The red line torpedo barb was originally described as Labeo denisonii by F. Day in 1865. It is also referred to as Barbus denisonii, Crossocheilus denisonii, and Barbus denisoni.

In the aquarium

This fish is a relatively new addition to the fish keeping hobby. The red line torpedo barb is a schooling fish that is usually kept in groups. They tend to be peaceful but some have been known to be slightly aggressive. A similar fish, Puntius chalakudiensis is sometimes confused with this fish, but it is a a larger, less colourful and more aggressive species.

See also

*List of freshwater aquarium fish species

External links

*Photos at Fishbase

References

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Category:Barbs