Schanicus Barb

Puntius schanicus is a small, infrequently traded barb from the rivers and water bodies of Bengal and Bangladesh. It is a modestly sized and subtly attractive species: a silver-gold body carries a faint golden lateral stripe and a small dark caudal spot, with males developing a delicate orange-pink tint across the lower flanks when in breeding condition. Its natural habitats include slow-flowing rivers, canals, and rice paddies across the Bengal delta region.

This species is straightforward to keep and suitable for community aquariums housing other small South Asian fish. It is unfussy about water conditions within a reasonable tropical range and accepts most commercial aquarium foods readily. Kept in groups of eight or more, it forms cohesive, attractive schools and serves as an excellent dither fish for shyer species in a biotope setup.

Reproduction follows the standard barb scatter-spawning pattern. Minimal preparation is needed to trigger spawning — conditioning on live foods and a spawning mop or fine-leaved plant provides all that is required.

Water: 22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; tolerant and undemanding. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with open midwater area; suitable for community setups. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, micro-pellets, Daphnia, brine shrimp, vegetable matter. Breeding: Scatter-spawner; easy to breed; fry accept micro-foods from hatching. Compatibility: Excellent community fish; peaceful with all non-predatory species.