Hampala barbs are (usually) Hampala macrolepidota. They've become fairly widely traded in the last few years, though their value as aquarium fish is probably limited. For one thing, they're big: wild fish supposedly reach around 70 cm, and while aquarium specimens can be expected to stay a bit smaller, realistically you'd need to plan around a fish that would get to about 50 cm in length.
In terms of ecology they're quite distinctive. They inhabit fast-flowing water, so would need moderate temperature (sub-25 C) and lots of current. Unlike the majority of barbs that feed on detritus or plant material, hampala barbs are predatory to some degree, consuming small fish. That said, they're known to be peaceful schooling fish that work well in groups kept alongside tankmates too large to be eaten. They'd be good companions for other fish from riverine habitats such as clown loaches, plecs, non-aggressive bagrid catfish, etc.
On the plus side, they are very attractive, even when fully grown.
Cheers, Neale
