Hammeni Barb

Puntius hammeni is a seldom-seen species from the Western Ghats of India, described from the hill-stream tributaries flowing from the Sahyadri range in Karnataka. It is a slim, moderately sized barb with a silvery-olive body bearing a faint mid-lateral stripe and a small dark caudal spot. Males in spawning condition show a delicate flush of orange across the belly and lower fins.

This species prefers clear, well-oxygenated water with moderate current — reflecting its natural habitat in shaded forest streams with leaf litter on the substrate. A biotope aquarium recreating these conditions, using driftwood, smooth river stones, and live plants, brings out the best in this understated but charming fish. It is thoroughly peaceful and mixes well with other Ghats endemics.

Captive breeding follows the typical barb pattern of scatter-spawning over fine-leaved vegetation or spawning mops. Water temperature can be slightly reduced to condition the fish, and parents should be removed once eggs have been laid.

Water: 22–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft and well-oxygenated with gentle flow. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with driftwood and smooth stones; biotope style works well. Feeding: Omnivore; micro-pellets, crushed flake, live/frozen Daphnia and brine shrimp. Breeding: Egg-scatter; condition on live food; remove parents after spawning; fry take micro-foods. Compatibility: Peaceful; keep with other small Western Ghats or South Asian hill-stream species.