fish description – Rohani Barb Care Guide ()
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Appearance and Sexual Differences
- Short Description: This barb has an elongated, torpedo-shaped body covered in metallic, reflective scales. It is characterized by specific caudal (tail) spot markings (often tear-drop shaped) and clear, sometimes reddish, fins.
- Coloration: Body is generally silvery or golden-scaled. Males are more brilliantly colored, especially when breeding, developing red highlights on their fins and sometimes spawning tubercles on the snout. Females are generally larger and rounder.
- Fins: Males typically develop a distinct filament or serration on the dorsal fin, a characteristic of the Dawkinsia genus.
- Behavior: Extremely active and requires significant swimming room. They are schooling fish that are known to be slightly skittish and prone to jumping, especially when frightened. They thrive in fast-flowing conditions.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
- Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons long (150 liters) is the absolute minimum, and a tank length of 4 to 6 feet is highly recommended to provide adequate room for their vigorous swimming. A secure lid is mandatory.
- Schooling: Should be kept in schools of at least 10 individuals or more. A large school is necessary to distribute sparring behavior among males and provide security to reduce shyness.
- Temperature: Cool Tropical range: ––. They prefer slightly cooler water and do not tolerate sudden temperature spikes (e.g., above ).
- pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic: 6.5 to 7.5. They require pristine, highly oxygenated water with good flow, mimicking their stream habitat.
- Aquascape: Requires a setup with good current/flow (via filter outflow or powerheads). Use fine gravel or sand, with dense planting (Java Fern, Anubias) and driftwood along the sides and back, leaving a vast open swimming lane in the middle.
Diet and Feeding
The Rohani Barb is a micropredator/omnivore that feeds on small aquatic invertebrates and plant matter in the wild.
- Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or small sinking pellets.
- Supplementation: A varied diet is essential for color. Offer protein-rich frozen or live foods: Bloodworms, Daphnia, and Brine Shrimp. Include vegetable matter (e.g., spirulina flakes) occasionally.
- Schedule: Feed once or twice a day, ensuring they consume the food quickly. They are enthusiastic eaters and can become aggressive during feeding.
Compatibility
- Caution: Though generally peaceful, they are active and can be boisterous. Avoid slow-moving, timid, or long-finned species (like Angelfish, Bettas, or long-finned Guppies) as they are prone to fin-nipping, especially when stressed or in a small school.
- Good Tank Mates: Other fast-swimming, robust, and similarly sized species. Examples include Rosy Barbs, Denison Barbs, most Danios (Zebra, Giant), Rainbowfish (Boesemani, Australian), and peaceful Loaches (e.g., Yoyo Loaches).






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