Tambraparni barb - Dawkinsia tambraparniei

Scientific name: Dawkinsia tambraparniei

Common name: Tambraparni barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness: 5 - 16°N (89.29 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

Tambraparni Barb (Dawkinsia tambraparniei, syn. Puntius tambraparniei) is a lively, peaceful cyprinid endemic to the Tamiraparani/Tambraparni River basin in southern India. In nature it inhabits gently flowing river sections with rocky substrate. Adults reach around 8–10 cm in aquaria (literature maxima ~12–13 cm SL). Keep in a larger school (8–10 ) for natural behavior and reduced stress. Taxonomy note: the species was moved to the genus Dawkinsia as part of a revision of the “arulius/filamentosus complex.”

Food & Feeding

Omnivore with a taste for small animal prey. Use high-quality micro-flakes/fine granules as a base and regularly rotate frozen and live foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, finely chopped bloodworms). Small portions 2–3× daily keep colors bright without overloading the water. A bit of plant matter (spinach, spirulina) supports digestion.

Sexing

Males are slimmer and more intensely colored; during spawning they may show enhanced spots/bars and slight extension of dorsal-fin rays (as in related Dawkinsia). Females are fuller in the abdomen. Juveniles are difficult to sex reliably.

Breeding

A typical egg scatterer with no parental care. A spawning setup with fine-leaved plants or mops and a grid/marble layer for eggs to fall through greatly improves yield. Use soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water and subdued light. Remove the adults after spawning. Incubation is roughly 24–48 h, free swimming after 3–4 days; start with infusoria/micro foods, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Typically 5–7 years with stable parameters and a high-quality diet.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Tank size: length at least 90 cm (36″) for a school of 8–10; provide long swimming runs.
• Temperature: 20–26 °C (68–79 °F).
• pH: 6.0–7.3; hardness: soft to moderate (~5–16 °dH). Stability matters more than the exact number.
• Environment & flow: sand/rounded gravel, stones, driftwood, denser plant thickets; moderate flow with good oxygenation.
• Maintenance: weekly 25–35 % water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

A peaceful, quick schooling species suited to other medium-sized, calm fishes (rasboras, more robust tetras, rainbowfish, small loricariids and Corydoras). Avoid very slow, long-finned species that may be outcompeted at feeding time.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Active midwater swimmer; the school tightens and synchronizes when startled. A larger group reduces intraspecific sparring.

Short Description

The Tambraparni Barb is an endemic, schooling Dawkinsia from India’s Tamiraparani River. Keep it in a spacious, well-flowing aquarium in groups of 8–10 , feed a varied small-particle diet, and enjoy its sparkling, dynamic behavior. (Do not confuse with related Dawkinsia such as “Arulius/Filament” barbs.)

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.