Arulius Barb

Dawkinsia tambraparniei

Arulius Barb is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm)
Aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 64–77°F (18–25°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 7 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 7 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–25 °C, pH 6–8, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Arulius Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Arulius Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer varied quality dried and small live/frozen foods; active feeders may outcompete timid companions.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Important notes

Often traded as Arulius Barb; distinguish from Dawkinsia arulius, a different species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Arulius Barb get?

Arulius Barb reaches ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm).

What aquarium size does Arulius Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Arulius Barb peaceful?

Yes. Arulius Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Arulius Barb?

Keep it between 18 to 25 °C.

Should Arulius Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Arulius Barb: Keep in a school of at least 8.