Dorsimaculatus Barb

Puntius dorsimaculatus takes its name from the unmistakable large dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin — a feature shared with few other South Asian barbs. Found in clear, moderately flowing upland streams and rivers of the Deccan Plateau in peninsular India, it inhabits well-oxygenated water over gravel and sand with riparian vegetation providing shade.

In the aquarium it is an adaptable and forgiving species that does particularly well in moderately cool setups replicating its plateau stream origins. A planted tank with good filtration, some current, and a sandy substrate suits it perfectly. It is entirely peaceful and excellent in a community of other Indian cyprinids. The dorsal spot becomes even more prominent against a pale gravel substrate.

Spawning is typical of the genus — eggs scattered over plants with no parental care. Conditioning on live foods and a slight drop in temperature promotes breeding readiness. Fry are easy to raise on commercial micro-foods.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; well-oxygenated with moderate flow. Tank: 80 L minimum; planted with sandy substrate and some current. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, pellet, spirulina wafers, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Breeding: Egg-scatter; condition with live food; remove adults; fry easy to raise. Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal with other Deccan Plateau and South Asian cyprinids.