What size tank do Denison barbs need?
At least 74 gallons (280 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Sahyadria denisonii.
How many Denison barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if Denison barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many Denison barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | Too small |
| 75 gallon | up to 9 |
| 125 gallon | up to 16 |
Check Denison barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, Denison barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
Tank mates for Denison barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Pictus catfish
- Common pleco
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Denison barb likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as Denison barb.
- Cherry shrimp: Denison barb (about 5 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank do Denison barbs need?
At least 74 gallons (280 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Denison barbs should be kept together?
At least 6. Denison barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can Denison barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Denison barb needs at least 74 gallons (280 liters), and grows to 5 in (13 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do Denison barbs need?
64–77 °F (18–25 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can Denison barbs live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Denison barb likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.