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Arulius Barb
Dawkinsia arulius
📍 South Asia (southern India)
The Arulius Barb is a striking, active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers of southern India. Males develop impressive elongated dorsal fin rays as they mature, making them a visually appealing centerpiece fish. They are hardy and relatively easy to keep, making them a rewarding choice for intermediate aquarists.
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Care Guide
Diet
Arulius Barbs are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet including high-quality flake or pellet foods as a staple. Supplement regularly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp to enhance coloration and condition. Feed two to three times daily, offering only what they can consume within two to three minutes.
Behavior
Arulius Barbs are energetic, active schoolers that do best in groups of six or more, which helps distribute any fin-nipping tendencies. They can be mildly nippy toward long-finned tankmates, so companions should be chosen carefully. They are most active in the middle water column and appreciate open swimming space as well as some planted areas for refuge.
Breeding
Breeding Arulius Barbs is moderately challenging and is best achieved in a dedicated breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. Slightly cooler, softer water and conditioning with live foods can trigger spawning, after which the egg-scattering adults should be removed to prevent predation. Eggs typically hatch within 24-48 hours and fry can be fed infusoria or commercial fry foods initially.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; both are active schoolers that coexist well
Shares similar water parameters and active swimming behavior
Bottom-oriented and peaceful; helps with algae control without conflict
Fast-moving schooler that can keep pace and is not easily bullied
Occupies the bottom zone and shares similar water parameter preferences
Bottom dweller that stays out of the barbs' territory and is robust enough to coexist
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Small white salt-like spots on body and fins, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F) and treat with a copper-based or formalin medication; perform regular water changes
Fin Rot
Frayed, discolored, or deteriorating fin edges, sometimes with reddening at the base
Improve water quality with frequent water changes and treat with antibacterial medication such as kanamycin or erythromycin
Velvet (Oodinium)
Gold or rust-colored dust-like coating on skin, rapid gill movement, flashing, lethargy
Dim lighting, raise temperature slightly, and treat with copper sulfate or an acriflavine-based medication
Internal Parasites
Hollow belly despite eating, white stringy feces, weight loss, lethargy
Treat with medicated food containing metronidazole or praziquantel; quarantine affected fish
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – accepts flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 12 cm (5 in)
- tank size
- 55 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-15 dGH
- temperature
- 68–77°F (20–25°C)