Denison Barb

Dawkinsia denisonii

Denison Barb is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm)
Aquarium size: 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 59–77°F (15–25°C)
pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 5–25 dGH
KH: 4–10 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 92 US gal (350 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 6.5–7.8, GH 5–25 dGH, KH 4–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Denison Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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, Denison Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer varied sinking prepared foods with small live/frozen invertebrates and some plant matter.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Important notes

Requires long uninterrupted swimming length, a mature high-oxygen aquarium and excellent water quality; check identification against the more belligerent Dawkinsia chalakkudiensis.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Denison Barb get?

Denison Barb reaches ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm).

What aquarium size does Denison Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Denison Barb peaceful?

Yes. Denison 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 Denison Barb?

Keep it between 15 to 25 °C.

Should Denison Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Denison Barb: Keep in a school of at least 6.