Species profile
Arulius Barb
Dawkinsia arulius
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
240 L minimum aquarium
10–12 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Needs a proper shoal and a four-foot-class swimming footprint. Avoid slow ornamental long-finned fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
3–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Large, fast shoaling barb. Usually robust rather than truly aggressive, but under-grouped fish may chase or nip slow long-finned tankmates.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
240 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Dawkinsia arulius
Alternative names
Arulius Barb, Puntius arulius
Native range
Cauvery River basin, southern India.
Natural habitat
Rivers and streams with current, rock/gravel substrate and high dissolved oxygen, especially during seasonal flow.
Diet & feeding
Invertebrates, algae and plant/detrital material; offer varied quality dry foods plus vegetable matter and frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are more colourful and may develop more extended dorsal-fin rays; females are fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Open-substrate egg scatterer with no parental care; adults will consume eggs if given access.