Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Puntius arulius, commonly known as Arulius Barb, is an Asian species found in India’s Cauvery basin, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Tambraparani river system; it is distributed in large streams, lakes and rivers.
PH: 6.0 – 6.5
Temperature: 19°C – 25C (66 – 77F)
Hardness: 5 – 10 dH
Description: Puntius arulius can reach a maximum length of 12 cm. This species has a slender, elongated, torpedo-like shape. Its colouration is a dark olive-brown, with lighter areas on the sides and a white ventral surface. Males have silver bodies with some green areas, and three large black spots from the dorsal surface to the lower part of their lateral line region; females are mostly a rose-pink colour with some green-gold shimmers. Both males and females have red edges to their caudal and anal fins and a dark dorsal; the fins are translucent and thin. Puntius arulius can live from 5 – 10 years.
Diet: Arulius Barb is most suited to quality flake and pellet foods. You should offer it a supplement of bloodworms and brine shrimp to maintain its health.
Breeding: Puntius arulius, an egg-laying species, is quite easy to breed. It can be spawned in pairs or in a group situation. Make sure you condition to adults with plenty of live foods to maximise spawning capabilities. Females will lay their sticky eggs on a rock – or a plant – and the male will fertilise the eggs. Adults will eat the eggs if given the chance, so remove them as soon as you see the eggs in your tank. The eggs will hatch in 24 – 48 hours; the fry will be free swimming 24 hours later. You can feed the fry on Infusoria for the first few days, before starting them on microworm or nauplii.
Comments: You should tank this species in a 55 gallon tank. Add plenty of vegetation to your tank, along with plenty of swimming space, and be careful with the water parameters; this species thrives in a well-oxygenated tank and will not appreciate too many temperature adjustments. Provide rocks and broad-leaved plants for spawning sites. Puntius arulius requires care and is suitable for hobbyists with some level of experience.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Puntius arulius can live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:05:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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