Denison Barb/red Stripe Torpedo

[2excitedkids]

We are hoping to upgrade to a 180litre juwel vision shortly. We currently have albino corydoras (5),mollies(2) ,platys(4) and a pitbull plec.
We would like to get say 4 denison barbs and wonder if our tank would be large enough and whether they will get along together.
We are wanting some specimen fish and think they look great but are know they can grow up to 10 to 15cm each and aren't quite sure how many we should be thinking of getting...if any.

 

[stang1]

Denisoni Barbs are best kept in groups of 6+ as they are a shoaling fish. They can reach up to 15cm and require plenty of swimming space. they may be fine in your tank whilst small but eventually they would benefit from a bigger tank.
We keep ours in a 5ft tank and they make full use of the swimming space!

 

[Sanj]

Actually there are two forms of Densions barb or even two similar species. The more common and more colourful form we see grows to about 4"/10cm, while the larger form (some say more aggressive) grows to 6"/15cm.

I currently keep nine in a 60"x20"x"24".


While four is not terrible, it would be ideal to have more, but prolly not in a 180 litre for full gorwn adults. They like the space to swim, the body shape gives it away.

 

[2excitedkids]

We have taken the plunge and got a 260l tank to give them lots of swimming room. It seems quite enormous compared to our 60 litre tank. Just need to swap over filter and current fish and then wait until all well before buying some denisons barbs.
How will I know which species they will be...would prefer less aggressive ones...don't want aggression as sharing with cories.

 

[Sanj]

How will I know which species they will be...would prefer less aggressive ones...don't want aggression as sharing with cories.

Its not easy to tell because the fish tend to be small when imported, but the vast majority are the smaller kind and while the larger sp. may(its only a may) be a bit more aggressive, it is only relatively and if you keep them in groups agression is less likely to be taken out on the other fish.

I would not worry too much about that.

I think the larger sp. is call Puntius. chalakkudensis (?) referes to the river its caught from, the Chalakkudy in South India. The Denisoni come from a different area. But like I said they are quite similar and the vast majority are the denisoni.

 

[2excitedkids]

Many thanks.
Waiting is the worst bit, I am convinced the lfs will run out of them before our tank is ready!

 

[Sanj]

Many thanks.
Waiting is the worst bit, I am convinced the lfs will run out of them before our tank is ready!

The other thing you might consider is mail order, that is if you cant find them locally or the LFS runs out.

 

[2excitedkids]

Went to look at some yesterday and the lfs man said that we had to provide excellent aeration and possibly a pump head?? as they would need excellent aeration - he was most concerned about oxygenation levels.

We have got good surface turbulence which can sometimes stop our mollies swimming at the surface and also an air stone on for 12 hours a day...do you think this is enough and he is trying to sell us unnecessary stuff??

 

[Sanj]

Went to look at some yesterday and the lfs man said that we had to provide excellent aeration and possibly a pump head?? as they would need excellent aeration - he was most concerned about oxygenation levels.

We have got good surface turbulence which can sometimes stop our mollies swimming at the surface and also an air stone on for 12 hours a day...do you think this is enough and he is trying to sell us unnecessary stuff??

It is true that they like high oxygen content in the water because they come from mountain streams and rivers. You do have a filter I take it? I have kept them before in a Juwel RIO 240 which just had its internal filter. As long as you dont over populate your aqaurium and you have circulation they should be ok.

I even inject co2 into my current aqaurium, but it goes off at night.

I think he maywell be trying to oversell, but also maybe because they are quite expensive wants to make sure you have adequate environment for them. You dont have to be excessive with these fish though.

 

[2excitedkids]

Thanks for your reply Sanj, yes we do have a juwel filter which as I said gives good surface turbulence.
Happy days.
Our tank has been testing negative for ammonia/nitrite since swapped from our smaller tank.Now 2 weeks so will get some tomorrow.

 

[DevUK]

I've read they like well oxygenated water too, and also that they like a bit of a current (ie, mountain streams as stated above). Would be worth making sure your other fish are happy with faster flowing water before buying the fish and changing the tank.