Narayan Barb

Pethia shalynius is a modestly sized and seldom-traded barb from cool, swift-flowing hill streams in Meghalaya and Assam, India. Its body carries a faint golden-olive iridescence under good lighting, and two clear dark spots mark its flanks. As a species adapted to well-oxygenated, cooler water, it benefits from a powerhead or spray bar and performs best in tanks without species requiring tropical warmth.

Water: 18–25 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness acceptable (GH 5–15). Tank: 60 L minimum; good oxygenation, moderate current, planted tank. Feeding: Omnivore — flakes, small pellets, live Daphnia, bloodworm. Behaviour: Peaceful active schooler; keep 8+ for confident group behaviour. Compatibility: Good with other cool-water community fish; avoid high-temperature species.