Unknown (probably) Rasbora

[nishant_vats]

Could someone please help me identify a fish that I recently purchased from a local pet-store. I will try to post a picture as soon as i get the prints, but here's a description anyway.

Now, the store-keeper identified it as a Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata), and it does seem that it is a variant of one, as the markings on the tail are identical to that of the R. trilineata. The most distinct distinguishing feature of the fish though is an intense fiery red stripe that runs from the mouth to the middle of the body (terminating a little before the dorsal fin), running over the top portion of the eyes as well. A distinct black stripe runs along the lateral line and is topped by the red stripe described above. The dorsal fin is also red, with the color more concentrated towards the leading edge of the fin. The body shape is very streamlined - the typical torpedo shape and the black and yellow tail markings being reminiscent of the R. trilineata. The body colour itself, though, is not as pale as the trilineata - and is more of a pale yellow (a good analogy would be the colour of the scales of Tiger Barbs). The barbels are visible as thin whiskers. These fish were between 2-2.5"(SL), 2.5-3"(TL) when I purchased them (just a week ago) and the maximum size i have seen before would be around 3.5"(TL). I do believe they will outgrow a length comfortable for my 48" tank though, which is true for Scissortail Rasboras. These are bold fish that spend a lot of time swimming gracefully in the middle levels, and they like to swim across the length of the tank.

Must I add that this is one of the most beautiful school-fish I have ever seen (although I did have to pay a beautiful price for them as well) and it makes me sad not to be able to find any info on the care of the fish (can't run a search without any name), or when somebody asks its name - which tends to happen a lot, as my four "Red Devil" Scissortail Rasboras (As I have decided to name them for the time being!) - are currently the highlight of my 60 gallon planted tank. To help gauge the attention these fish are gaining inspite of its tank-mates... my tank also includes 8 Neon Tetras, a shoal of 10 juvenile Tiger Barbs, a pair each of Praecox Rainbows, Serpae Tetras, Penguin Tetras, Honey Gouramis, Black Mollies, 3 Black Phantom Tetras and a lone Kuhli Loach.

If somebody has a clue as to which species this is, info will be appreciated.

 

[Lateral Line]

I believe you have described, quite well actually, Barbus denisonii, known under a whole list of stupid common names, the name I see most often is Red Torpedo. They grow to about 6 inches and the colour fades somewhat as they get larger.

>>> store-keeper identified it as a Scissortail Rasbora

That tells you more about your storekeeper than your fish...

B. denisonii looks like this...

 

[nishant_vats]

Thank you, Lateral Line!

That is indeed the fish, and your picture does justice to the beauty. I'll try to post a picture of my shoal of 4, or send it over to you when I get a chance. With your help, I was able to derive a little more information about this species, another common name for which would be - "Denison's Flying Fox" although "Red Torpedo Fish", like you said, seems to be more common. Barbus denisonii, it seems, is the dated scientific name and was revised to Puntius denisonii, also referred to as Crossocheilus denisonii - there is a bit of confusion over Indian fish names!. Apparently, it is only available seasonally, being caught in the wild from fast flowing hill streams in South India. I heard from somewhere that its current status is - 'Endangered' (!!) and hasn't been bred in captivity!

Thanks a lot for your help. I'll educate the store-keeper soon!

Cheers,
Nishant.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> is the dated scientific name and was revised to Puntius denisonii,

The division of the genus Barbus into Puntius, Capoeta and Barbodes has never been fully ratified. The thinking at the time was that there were simply so many Barbus, it would be "easier" to divide the genus based on the number of barbels, none, 1 pair or 2.

I do not believe having to many fish in a genus is sufficient reason to split the group, and until the result is finally ratified, I will call Barbus, Barbus, as do many others. This row has been going on for 30+ years.

You'll find "experts" that use the 3 new genera, also use Barbus for certain other species!

Generally, if you are dealing with a barb, search for all 4 genus names in front of the species name, (although there are not many Capoeta species).