Dawkinsia tambraparniei 2.5"

The Arulius Barb  (Dawkinsia tambraparniei ) is a very popular Indian Barb species that is native Stream 7 miles from Kalladaikurichi, Tambraparni watershed, Tinnevelly District, Madras State, India.. It has multiple wild populations, and many of these populations display colour variations that are unique to each single population. Many of these natural variants have been collected and preserved by breeders in the aquarium hobby. As with many barb , mature and dominant males of the Arulius Barb  are the most colourful, although females often display a lesser, but noticeable coloration, particularly on their fins.

The Arulius Barb will thrive in an aquarium with alkaline pH and a great deal of rock formations. It might destroy some ornamental plants, but more durable plants such as Anubias might be compatible. It requires a great deal of open swimming space, but it also requires ample cover, especially when kept in groups. Dominant males are relentless in establishing their dominance and will haras subdominant males and females to death if there is not ample cover and broken lines of sight for smaller and weaker specimens. It is highly recommended that this fish is kept in a ratio of at least 3 females to every male as adults. The best method for maintaining a group of this magnificent fish is to buy several juveniles and let them grow up together.

The Arulius Barb is a rather active fish, but it is compatible with many mbuna Barb from Stream 7 miles from Kalladaikurichi, Tambraparni watershed, Tinnevelly District, Madras State, India. The Arulius Barb should not be housed with ornamental invertebrates.

Feeding is simple for the unfussy Arulius Barb. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Supplemental vegetable matter is also required. Quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that this fish maintains optimal health and coloration.

 What We Like About This Fish:

• Beautiful multi-coloration across the entire body in mature males & female
• Very hardy with plenty of personality
• Possible to breed in the aquarium
• Compatible with many other species in a spacious tank
• Potential to be a "centre piece" fish

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature:  73.4° - 80.6 (23° - 27° C)
• pH:  7.0 - 8.5
• KH:  5 - 18 KH
• Minimum tank size:  75 gallons for a pair or small group

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet:  Mostly carnivorous. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods is necessary for optimal health and coloration. Some vegetable matter is also required.
• Social behaviour:  Loosely social until sexual maturity. Breeding pairs are often aggressive to all other similar fish. Dominant males are aggressive to all other fish and should be kept with multiple females.