Classification
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution:
Endemic to the states of Kerala and Karnataka in southern India.
Habitat:
A stream and river-dwelling species most often found in pristine, highly-oxygenated headwaters and upper parts of river basins where it typically congregates in rocky pools with dense riparian vegetation. It is supposedly more active at dusk and dawn than during daylight hours.
Maximum Standard Length:
90 – 110 mm.
Aquarium Size:
Base dimensions of at least 120 x 45 cm or equivalent are required. It is advised to find a filter which has a water flow between 4-5 times the volume of your aquarium.
Maintenance:
Not difficult to keep in a well-maintained set-up, and does not tend to harm aquatic plants. Since it naturally occurs in pristine habitats it is intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires more-or-less spotless water in order to thrive. It also does best if there is a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and moderate water movement, and weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine.
Water Conditions:
Temperature: 15 – 25°C
pH: 6.5 – 7.8
Hardness: 90 – 447 ppm
Diet:
Wild fish on a variety of worms, insects, crustaceans, plant material, and other organic debris. In the aquarium it is easily-fed but a balanced diet comprising regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Daphnia, and Artemia alongside good quality dried products will being about optimal condition and colours. Sinking foods are best. It is said that the red pigmentation can be intensified by feeding a diet rich in carotenoids such as astaxanthin.
Behaviour and Compatibility:
Generally peaceful making it an ideal resident of the well-researched community aquarium. It is a schooling species by nature, and at least 6-10 specimens should be purchased.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Adult females tend to grow a little larger, are heavier-bodied, and a little less colourful than males.
Reproduction:
Large numbers are produced for the aquarium hobby in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, presumably via stimulation with hormones.
