Indian Maharaja Barb (Puntius sahyadriensis)

Family: Cyprinidae

Indian Maharaja Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; keep at 20–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–24 °C
pH
6–6.5
GH hardness
8–15 dGH
Adult length
5.2–7.7 cm
Minimum tank
71 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Puntius sahyadriensis is a Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 5.2–7.7 cm of adult fish at 20–24 °C. Related profiles: 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 Indian Maharaja Barb easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Indian Maharaja 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 Indian Maharaja Barb get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.2–7.7 cm. Minimum tank: 71 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Indian Maharaja Barb eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Indian Maharaja Barb live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Indian Maharaja Barb come from?

Found in clear streams and rivers over gravel; expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Indian Maharaja Barb jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Indian Maharaja Barb breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.