Raiamas bola

Raiamas bola, known as the Bola or Trout Barb, is a large and powerful danionid distributed across the river systems of northern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It inhabits fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and hill streams where it actively pursues smaller fish. Its silver body is dusted with dark spots and it has a noticeably large mouth that betrays its piscivorous lifestyle.

In the aquarium R. bola demands a very large, well-filtered tank with strong water movement to replicate its natural river habitat. It is an impressive fish in a large school, displaying constant, energetic swimming and occasional burst-speed chases. It should only be housed with large, robust tankmates that cannot be swallowed.

For the advanced hobbyist with a very large aquarium, Raiamas bola offers an unusual and spectacular display fish that represents the less commonly kept side of the danionid family. Its active nature and impressive size make it a genuine centrepiece species.

Water: Temperature 18–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15; strong flow and high oxygenation essential; cold-water tolerant. Tank: Minimum 400 L; long open tank; powerful filtration; avoid small or delicate décor that can be displaced. Feeding: Piscivore; large sinking pellets, whole fish foods, krill, earthworms; condition with varied protein-rich foods. Breeding: Not achieved in home aquariums; very large commercial facilities with hormonal treatment required. Compatibility: Predatory; keep only with large robust species; groups of same species possible in sufficiently large tanks.