Edit Puntius sahyadriensis

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Name

Scientific name

Puntius sahyadriensis

Described by

Authority Silas, Year 1953

Family

Cyprinidae

Common names

Maharaja Barb

Photograph credits

All 8 credited

Summary

The maharaja barb, Puntius sahyadriensis, is a cyprinid endemic to the northern and central Western Ghats mountains of India. It lives in h…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

65mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 80 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 18–24°C, pH 6–7.8

Hardness

2–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

India, Aghanashini, Bedti, Bhadra, Koyana, Krishna, Sharavathi, Sita, Tunga, Yenna

Writing

Etymology

sahyadriensis: named for the Western Ghats mountains which are also known by the alternative name 'Sahyadri'.

Distribution

Described from streams of the Yenna river basin, close to the city of Mahabaleshwar, in the Western Ghats mountain range, Satara district, Maharashtra state, I…

Habitat

This species'l stream habitats are generally shaded by the forest canopy and dense marginal vegetation. Substrates are typically composed of boulders, smaller …

Aquarium size

Base dimensions of at least 80 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are required.

Maintenance

Not difficult to keep in a well-maintained set-up, though we recommend aquascaping the tank to resemble a flowing stream or river with a substrate of variably-…

Not difficult to keep in a well-maintained set-up, though we recommend aquascaping the tank to resemble a flowing stream or river with a substrate of variably-sized, water-worn rocks, sand, fine gravel and perhaps some small boulders.

This could be further furnished with driftwood branches and plants such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. which can be grown attached to the décor.

Since it naturally occurs in relatively pristine habitats it's intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires more-or-less spotless water in order to thrive, meaning weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine.

Though torrent-like conditions are unnecessary it also does best if there is a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and a degree 0f water movement.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Likely to be a foraging omnivore feeding on worms, insects and other small invertebrates, as well as plant material and organic detritus. Silas (1953) noted th…

Behaviour and compatibility

Generally very peaceful making it an ideal resident of the well-researched community aquarium. Fishes inhabiting similar biotopes in nature, especially compara…

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males develop a more intense colour pattern than females, possess white-tipped pelvic fins, and exhibit noticeable tubercules on the head when in spawnin…

Reproduction

Possibly unrecorded but recommendations for related species are as follows: Like most small cyprinids Puntius spp. are egg-scattering free spawners exhibiting …

Notes

This species is occasionally traded under the alternative name 'Khavli' barb but not a great deal has been written about it or its captive care. It's difficult…

References

4 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References