Kelum's Long-snouted Barb (Puntius kelumi)

Family: Cyprinidae

Kelum's Long-snouted Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 6.2–9.1 cm; keep at 20–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 20–24 °C
pH: 6–6.5
GH hardness: 8–15 dGH
Adult length: 6.2–9.1 cm
Minimum tank: 99 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Puntius kelumi of the family Cyprinidae is an aquarium-kept Cyprinidae. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins and omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 6.2–9.1 cm and prefers 20–24 °C water. Other Puntius species in our database include Puntius bimaculatus, Puntius cauveriensis, Puntius chola.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow: Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape: Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants: Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Kelum's Long-snouted Barb easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Kelum's Long-snouted Barb need?

Set the heater to 20–24 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–6.5, GH 8–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Kelum's Long-snouted Barb get, and what tank size?

Expect 6.2–9.1 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 99 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Kelum's Long-snouted Barb eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Kelum's Long-snouted Barb live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Kelum's Long-snouted Barb come from?

Its habitat is clear streams and rivers over gravel — moderate, well-oxygenated current, appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Kelum's Long-snouted Barb jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Kelum's Long-snouted Barb breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.