Roseline Denison Barb – Complete Care Guide for This Stunning Stream-Dwelling Schooler

Introduction: The Torpedo of the Freshwater World

The Roseline Denison Barb (Sahyadria denisonii), also known as the Red-Line Torpedo Barb, is a bold, streamlined fish known for its racing red stripe, black lateral band, and flashes of gold and neon yellow on its fins. Native to fast-flowing rivers of India, it’s an ideal showpiece for large, active aquariums.

If you’re seeking a colorful, high-energy fish that thrives in groups and adds movement to your display, the Roseline Barb is a top contender. This guide covers everything from setup and water conditions to feeding and behavior.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Tank Requirements

🧱 Tank Size

• Minimum: 55 gallons for a group

• Recommended: 75+ gallons for a school of 6 or more

These fish are fast swimmers and must be kept in schools. A group of 6 or more ensures natural behavior, reduced stress, and full coloration.

🪨 Aquascape

• Open space for swimming

• Smooth river stones, driftwood, and hardy plants (Java fern, Anubias)

• Background cover helps reduce spooking

• Substrate can be sand or fine gravel

Roseline Barbs appreciate natural current and oxygenation, so mimic their native river habitat.

🌊 Filtration & Flow

• Strong filtration is essential

• Provide moderate to fast flow with wavemakers or powerheads

• Surface agitation helps oxygenate water

• Keep water ultra-clean to avoid bacterial infections (they’re sensitive to poor water)

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💧 Water Parameters

Weekly 30–40% water changes are important. High-quality, stable conditions enhance coloration and reduce aggression.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Roseline Denison Barbs are omnivores with voracious appetites.

✅ Ideal Foods:

• High-quality sinking pellets and flakes

• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Live food (occasionally): blackworms, mosquito larvae

• Spirulina wafers or veggie flakes for plant content

🕒 Feed 1–2x daily. Use feeding rings or multiple spots to ensure all fish get food.

💡 They may outcompete slower fish, so monitor tankmates during feeding.

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🧠 Behavior & Temperament

• Extremely active, always swimming

• Best kept in groups of 6–10+

• Peaceful but can nip fins if kept in small numbers or with long-finned tankmates

• Easily startled — tank placement away from heavy traffic helps

They are most colorful and well-behaved when schooling tightly and given plenty of swimming space.

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👫 Compatible Tank Mates

Roseline Barbs mix well with other active and peaceful fish.

✅ Compatible Species:

• Rainbowfish

• Congo Tetras

• Giant Danios

• Angelfish (caution: size dependent)

• Larger Rasboras

• Gouramis

• Loaches

• Medium-sized peaceful cichlids

❌ Avoid:

• Slow, long-finned fish (e.g. Bettas, Guppies)

• Small delicate shrimp

• Aggressive cichlids or fin-nippers

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🧬 Breeding Info

Breeding in captivity is rare but possible.

Breeding Tips:

• Use a separate 40–50 gallon tank

• Condition with high-protein diet

• Dim lighting and dense plants help trigger spawning

• Males chase females and scatter eggs

• Remove adults post-spawning

• Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week

Sexing: Males are slimmer and often more intensely colored.

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🌿 Educational Insight: Why Roseline Barbs Are Endangered in the Wild

Native to India’s Western Ghats, Roseline Barbs were heavily over-collected for the aquarium trade. As a result, they were once listed as endangered in the wild.

Today, most Roseline Barbs are captive-bred, but responsible sourcing remains critical. By choosing fish from ethical suppliers, you help preserve wild populations while enjoying this vibrant species at home.

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💲 Why Buy Roseline Denison Barbs from RobsAquatics.com?

At RobsAquatics.com, your Roseline Barbs are:

• Carefully quarantined and fully acclimated

• Captive-bred to support sustainability

• Shipped overnight with safe packaging and live arrival guarantee

• Backed by expert support and care documentation

• Always healthy, vibrant, and schooling actively

You’ll receive active, bold, and well-socialized fish, ready to transform your tank.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Roseline Denison Barb is a fast-paced, bold centerpiece for aquarists who love schooling fish and large aquascapes. Their movement, color, and intelligence add depth to any community tank.

If you’re building a planted or river-style aquarium and want a species that commands attention, Roseline Barbs deliver beauty and energy like few others.

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📢 Call to Action

👉 Order your Roseline Denison Barb 2–3” (5-pack) from RobsAquatics.com today and make your aquarium come alive with one of the most active and stunning freshwater species.