Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Arulius Barb

Dawkinsia arulius

Also called Longfin barb, Puntius arulius

SpeciesShort profile

From Asia: southern India, in the upper Cauvery (Kaveri) and upper Tungabhadra river systems of Karnataka1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length9 to 12 cm1 2 3

Sizemedium

Seriously Fish gives 9 to 10 cm standard length; FishBase and Wikipedia give 12 cm total length

Males grow graceful trailing dorsal fin filaments

Active schooling fish that is fun to watch

Hardy in cooler tropical water

3 1

Looks how to spot one

Scaled cyprinid (barb)

An olive-brown back fades to silvery sides and a white belly, with three soft-edged dark marks along the flank, the last on the tail base. The fins are thin and see-through. Adult males grow elegant thread-like extensions on the dorsal fin rays.3 1

Coloursolive brown backsilvery to white sides and bellythree dark flank markingsblack blotch on the tail base3 1

Personality what they are like

A lively schooling barb that suits a community of other barbs, loaches and fish of similar size. Keeping a good-sized group keeps it focused on its own kind.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic swimmer that needs a large tank with open space, flowing water and plenty of oxygen.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Seriously Fish suggests a tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres). Water: 19 to 25 C, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Clean, well-oxygenated water with some current suits it.1 2

Home where they are happiest

In nature it lives in clean, well-oxygenated streams and rivers with gravel and rocky bottoms that change with the monsoon seasons. A river-style tank with gravel, rocks and current works well.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous. Offer good flakes or granules along with small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep in a group of eight to ten for the most natural behaviour.1

The story where it all began

Thomas Jerdon described the arulius barb in 1849 from southern India. In 2012 it was moved from Puntius into the new genus Dawkinsia, named in honour of the biologist Richard Dawkins.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its genus Dawkinsia is named after Richard Dawkins for his work in making evolutionary science accessible to the public.2
2
Adult males develop long filament-like extensions on their dorsal fin rays.3
3
It tends to spawn near the water surface.2
4
In the aquarium trade it has often been confused with its close relative Dawkinsia tambraparniei.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Endangered (EN), June 20102
Scientific description: Described by Jerdon in 18492

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Arulius Barb. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Arulius Barb?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This omnivore enjoys good flakes or granules plus small live or frozen foods like bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Arulius Barb eat, and what should it never eat?

It is omnivorous and thrives on quality flakes or granules along with small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Never feed it anything that could harm its health; consult a vet for a safe list.1 2

How much space does an Arulius Barb need?

A large tank is essential, with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres) according to Seriously Fish. This energetic swimmer needs open space and flowing water to stay happy.1 2

What temperature, light or water does an Arulius Barb need?

Keep water between 19 and 25°C, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Clean, well-oxygenated water with some current suits it best, mimicking its natural stream habitat.1 2

How often should I clean an Arulius Barb's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25%, plus a weekly glass clean and water test. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Arulius Barb live with others?

Yes, it is a lively schooling barb that suits a community of other barbs, loaches and similar-sized fish. Keep a group of eight to ten for the most natural behaviour.1 3

How long does an Arulius Barb live?

Lifespan varies depending on care; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for typical expectations. With proper conditions, it can live several years.

Can I handle an Arulius Barb?

No, it is a fish and should not be handled. It is best admired in its tank, as handling can cause stress or injury.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Seriously Fish: Dawkinsia arulius seriouslyfish.comused for distribution, size, care parameters, diet, group size, habitat, taxonomy
FishBase: Dawkinsia arulius summary fishbase.seused for IUCN status, describer, max length, water parameters, etymology, spawning
Wikipedia: Dawkinsia arulius en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, colour, temperament, male fin filaments

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.