Chalak Barb

Dawkinsia chalakkudiensis

Chalak Barb is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

BelligerentBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Intermediate

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Need help with Chalak Barb?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.9" (≤ 12.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Belligerent
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 59–77°F (15–25°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 15–25 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Temperament: Belligerent.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Varied frozen/live and plant-containing dry foods; offer sinking foods to foraging fish.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Similar fish profiles

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

Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Chalak Barb get?

Chalak Barb reaches ≤ 4.9" (≤ 12.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Chalak Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Chalak Barb peaceful?

Chalak Barb has a belligerent temperament, so companion choice should match both behavior and swimming space.

What temperature is suitable for Chalak Barb?

Keep it between 15 to 25 °C.

Should Chalak Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Chalak Barb: Keep in a loose group of 5+.