Shalynius Barb

Puntius shalynius is a seldom-traded species from the river drainages of Assam and neighbouring northeastern states of India. It is a slim, fast-moving barb with a silver body punctuated by iridescent green-gold scaling that catches the light beautifully under aquarium lighting. A dark mid-lateral stripe runs from the caudal peduncle toward the head, and males show faint orange in the lower fins.

This species is well-suited to planted community aquariums housing other South Asian species. It is an enthusiastic swimmer and benefits from a tank with some open midwater space alongside planted margins. It is peaceful in all respects and does not nip fins, making it compatible with long-finned tankmates like bettas and gouramis.

Breeding has been achieved in captivity using the standard barb approach: fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, conditioning with live food, and removal of adults after spawning. The fry are small but robust and accept standard commercial micro-foods from the outset.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean and well-filtered. Tank: 80 L minimum; planted with open swimming lanes; moderate current appreciated. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, pellet, live/frozen Daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro-worm. Breeding: Egg-scatter; use spawning mops; remove adults post-spawning; fry accept micro-foods. Compatibility: Peaceful with all; good companion for gouramis, rasboras, and other barbs.