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Rohan’s Barb (Dawkinsia rohani)

Rohan’s Barb

Dawkinsia rohani, also known as Rohan's Barb, is a beautiful, peaceful schooling fish native to freshwater streams in India.

Overview

Dawkinsia rohani, commonly referred to as Rohan’s Barb, is a vibrant freshwater species from the Cyprinidae family. Native to the rivers and streams of the Western Ghats in India, this fish is distinguished by its shimmering scales and flowing fins. They are peaceful, schooling fish that are ideal for larger community aquariums.

Tank Requirements

Rohan’s Barb requires a spacious aquarium with a minimum volume of 120 liters (32 gallons). The water temperature should range from 22-28°C (72-82°F), with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness (GH) of 5-15. They thrive in tanks that mimic their natural environment, with a soft substrate, driftwood, and a combination of live plants. Strong water flow replicating their riverine habitat is also beneficial.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Dawkinsia rohani feed on a variety of small invertebrates, plant matter, and organic debris. In captivity, they should be offered a high-quality diet consisting of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Supplementing their diet with vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes, will ensure balanced nutrition.

Care and Maintenance

Rohan’s Barb is relatively easy to care for, provided that water quality is maintained through regular water changes and proper filtration. They should be kept in groups of at least six to ensure their social needs are met. They are active swimmers, so ample swimming space should be provided.

Compatibility

These peaceful fish can be housed with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, and danios. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive fish, as this can lead to stress and aggression. Their calm nature makes them an excellent choice for community tanks.

Breeding

Breeding Dawkinsia rohani is possible in captivity, though challenging. They are egg scatterers, and spawning is often triggered by an increase in water temperature and flow. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from consuming the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within 48 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food.

Note: Unverified Information

This article is part of our freshwater aquarium fish catalog and is currently unverified. The information presented here has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Please use this content as a general reference and verify details from additional sources before making any decisions related to fish care.