Denison Barb

Sahyadria denisonii

Also sold as Red-line torpedo barb · Gold roseline barb

Synonyms Roseline shark

Denison Barb (Sahyadria denisonii) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 11 cm (4.3 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 59–77°F (15–25°C) and pH 6.5–7.8, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 243 L (64 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	11 cm (4.3 in)
Minimum tank	243 L (64 gal)
Group size	6 or more
Temperature	59–77°F (15–25°C)
pH	6.5–7.8
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	5–8 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Denison Barb needs at least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 120P.
Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Oscar, Iridescent Shark and Bala Shark: it ends up as food.
It holds at 59–77°F (15–25°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
A group of 6 takes up roughly 51% of what a 120P will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 120P.

How many should I keep?

6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

59–77°F (15–25°C), pH 6.5–7.8.

How long does it live?

5–8 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Denison Barb	Rosy Barb	Gold Barb
Adult size	11 cm	10 cm	7.5 cm
Min tank	243 L	90 L	81 L
Group	6+	8+	8+
Temperature	59–77°F (15–25°C)	61–75°F (16–24°C)	61–75°F (16–24°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	—

More livestock

Plan a tank with Denison Barb →

Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026