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.