Torpedo Barb

Sahyadria denisonii, the Torpedo or Denison's Barb, is a large, spectacular cyprinid from the fast-flowing hill streams of India's Western Ghats, bearing a striking silver body with a vivid red-orange stripe along the head and black and yellow markings on the tail. Listed as Endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction and overcollection, responsibly sourced captive-bred specimens are strongly preferred. An active, powerful swimmer requiring a long aquarium with excellent filtration and moderate current.

Provide a long aquarium (minimum 150 cm) with moderate to strong filtration and water flow. Keep in groups of 6 or more. Feed quality pellets, flake, frozen bloodworm, and Artemia. Prefers cooler water than most tropical fish — optimal 18–22°C for long-term health; tolerates up to 25°C. High oxygenation is important. Avoid housing with very small or slow fish. Source only captive-bred specimens to support conservation.