Barbus Denisoni: Description, Care and Breeding Tips

Observation of the measured life of aquatic inhabitants in an artificial reservoir not only calms the nervous system, but also helps to remove the emotional and psychological stress that every modern resident of large megacities has. Due to this feature, aquariums of different sizes can be found not only in private apartments, but also in offices, medical and educational institutions. But in order for a water body to become a highlight of any interior, it is necessary to apply the maximum amount of energy for its arrangement. In specialized stores you can buy a wide range of necessary goods, including decorative fish. The choice of the inhabitants of the aquarium should be based not only on the beauty of the fish, but also taking into account the way to care for them, so that the content of the selected species does not become an unbearable burden for beginner aquarists. One of the hardest fish to care for is the Denisoni barbus.

Denisoni barbus is an aquarium species of fish that belongs to the Karpov family. Due to the high speed of movement, the barbus is often called a red torpedo or comet. The birthplace of the water inhabitant is India. This species prefers water bodies with a high oxygen content, which have a rocky bottom and thickets of aquatic plants. The peak activity of the barbus occurs in the evening or night, but in the daytime the fish prefer to relax. The life expectancy of this species in artificial reservoirs does not exceed 5 years.

The long body of the fish has a pointed shape and an elongated muzzle. The color scheme of the skin is gray-bronze with a brilliant shimmer, and the back has an olive hue. An external distinguishing feature is the presence of black and red stripes on the sides, which pass strictly in the center. However, individuals with golden scales have only a red line on their bodies. The tail area is decorated with black and yellow spots. The dorsal fin has a beautiful red border. The maximum body size is 15 cm.

Distinctive characteristics of females are as follows:

• round belly;
• discreet color scheme;
• large size.

The main features of males are manifested in the following:

• flat and elongated belly;
• bright and saturated color;
• small size.

In adults, when they reach puberty, green mustaches begin to form, which serve to search for food. Denisoni's barbus has a calm, peaceful and balanced character, but in relation to small fish it can show a small amount of aggression. To avoid conflict situations, experts recommend choosing the same or significantly larger fish as neighbors. Shy and fearful fish do not tolerate loneliness and prefer to be in a company that should consist of at least 10 individuals.

Denisoni's barbus is a very demanding aquatic inhabitant, care and maintenance of which can cause a number of difficulties for beginner aquarists. Throughout the entire period of cultivation of this species, it is necessary to strictly comply with all standards for its content, carefully monitor the purity of the reservoir and timely change the water in it. To minimize stressful situations, fish need to make artificial shelterswhich may be vegetation, driftwood, artificial caves and castles. For a comfortable stay of a flock of 10 individuals, it is necessary to acquire a capacity of at least 200 liters and preferably a rectangular shape. To prevent jumping out of frightened and panicking fish, it is necessary to cover the aquarium with a special cover or any similar object.

The temperature level of the water should be in the range from +22 to +24 degrees. The acidity of the water should be neutral, and the hardness level should be no more than 11 units. When choosing plants for landscaping, it is necessary to give preference to those species that have a developed and strong root system, as well as thick and wide leaves. Only such algae can create a reliable shelter for fish and not die after their digging. Among the huge number of species of algae, experts recommend paying attention to elodea, hornwort, cryptocoryne, anubias, wallisneria, microsorum, cirrus leaves. A good analogue to living plants can serve as artificial green spaces.

Coarse river sand, small pebbles or a purchased substrate with a neutral acidity level can be used as soil for the aquarium. Demanding fish with a high level of sensitivity to contaminated water need constant aeration and filtration. The level of illumination is one of the minor parameters that affects only the appearance of the aquarium. Beautiful and nimble fish look very elegant and attractive under the direct rays of natural or artificial light. To prevent negative consequences, it is necessary to carefully consider the content of nitrates and nitrites in the water, an excessive amount of which can provoke the death of the flock.

Failure to comply with the rules of care and maintenance can provoke the appearance of the following diseases:

• white skin;
• aeromonosis;
• branchiomycosis;
• endoparasites;
• ectoparasites.

To prevent the emergence of conflict situations and the death of the inhabitants of the reservoir, novice aquarists should carefully approach not only the selection of an aquarium and plants, but also the choice of neighbors. Not with all water inhabitants this species can live in peace and harmony. The Denisoni barbus is most compatible with neons, puntiuses, corridors, tetras, barriliuses, Sumatran babbuses and with Garra.

All representatives of the Karpov family belong to omnivorous fish that can feed on larvae, small insects, aquatic plants, crustaceans, and mollusks. The Denisoni barbus, which at home can eat live, dry and frozen food, is no exception. The proportional ratio of living and plant foods should be equal. Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms and tubule mumps can be live food for this fish. The most favorite plant foods are the following:

• lettuce;
• dandelion leaves;
• zucchini;
• cucumbers
• carrot;
• apples
• pears.

The probability of obtaining fry at home is very low and unlikely. Offspring from this type of fish can be obtained only in specialized nurseries with the help of hormonal preparations or caught in natural reservoirs. If, nevertheless, there is a great desire to independently engage in the breeding of this type of fish, then the following requirements must be observed:

• water temperature - not less than +26 degrees;
• acidity level - not higher than 5.6;
• Mandatory presence of Japanese moss for spawning.

The first food for newborn fry are ciliates. To prevent the death of offspring, it is necessary to carefully monitor the temperature regime and purity of water. After the kids begin to grow, they need to be seated in different containers according to size. Once the babies reach a size of 10 mm, they can be safely transferred to an adult diet. At this time, fry change color and acquire all the characteristic color features of adult fish.

The appearance of a water body in a house always brings joy not only to small family members, but also to adults, who can watch the life of its inhabitants for hours. But behind the initial euphoria, one should not forget about caring for the aquarium, as well as about creating the most comfortable conditions for life and reproduction of all its inhabitants.

For breeding Denisoni barbs, see the next video.