Arulius barb - Dawkinsia arulius

Scientific name: Dawkinsia arulius

Common name: Arulius barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 12 cm (3.15 - 4.72 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 12°N (142.86 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Arulius barbs are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Offer high-quality flakes or small pellets as a staple, and regularly supplement their meals with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They will also nibble on blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, which supports digestive health and brings out their natural coloration.

Origin

Dawkinsia arulius is native to the Kaveri (Cauvery) River basin in southern India. They are typically found in fast-flowing, clear waters with rocky or sandy substrates and dense vegetation along the banks.

Sexing

Males can be distinguished by their more elongated dorsal fins and more vivid coloration, especially during breeding season. Females tend to be slightly plumper and less colorful.

Breeding

Arulius barbs are egg scatterers that lay adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. To encourage spawning, set up a separate tank with slightly warmer water (around 26–28 °C) and soft, slightly acidic water. Condition the breeding pair or group with protein-rich live foods. Once spawning occurs, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within 24–36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after a few more days. Start feeding them infusoria, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp or powdered fry food.

Lifespan

With proper care, Dawkinsia arulius can live between 5 and 10 years in a home aquarium.

Short description

The Arulius barb (Dawkinsia arulius, formerly Puntius arulius) is a striking, peaceful schooling fish that does best in groups of six or more. They are known for their active swimming and shimmering scales, accented by a tall dorsal fin in males. Although sometimes labeled as mild fin-nippers, this behavior is rarely seen in properly sized groups and when housed with compatible tankmates. These fish thrive in well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of swimming space, moderate current, and a combination of open areas and planted zones.

Suitable tankmates

Arulius barbs are peaceful and social fish that do well in a community aquarium with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Good tankmates include:

Recommended plants

Arulius barbs benefit from a well-planted tank with enough open space for swimming. They do not typically uproot plants, making them compatible with a variety of species. Recommended plants include: