Exclamation Barbus

The exclamation barb, scientific name Dawkinsia exclamatio, belongs to the family Cyprinidae (Cyprinidae). The Latin name consists of two words: “dawkinsia” – in honor of Richard Dawkins, an English ethologist and evolutionary biologist, and “exclamatio” – an exclamation point. The latter hints at the color pattern of this fish when turned upside down.

Habitat

It is considered endemic to Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River flowing into it, flowing in the state of Kerala in southern India. Despite the small length of the river, the habitat is quite diverse. The fish is found in various biotopes from transparent mountain rivers to muddy creeks with a silty bottom.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 200 liters.
• Temperature – 19-25°C
• pH value – 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness – 2-10 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – any
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is 8-10 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content in a group of 8-10 individuals

Description

Adults reach a length of about 10 cm. The fish is distinguished by a bright iridescent color in which almost all the colors of the rainbow are present. A characteristic feature, which is reflected in the name of this species, is a dark elongated stroke at the base of the tail. If the fish is in a vertical position, then the stroke in combination with the black eye really resembles an exclamation point. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. Females are somewhat larger than males, which, in turn, have more saturated colors, and during the spawning period, small tubercles-growths form on their heads.

Food

Omnivorous species, accepts most popular foods such as dry flakes, pellets, live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, etc. It is recommended to use food that enhances color.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Optimal aquarium sizes for long-term keeping of a small flock of Exclamation Barbs should start at 200 liters. The design uses soil of variable size (sand, stones) with several large boulders, snags in the form of tree roots or branches, unpretentious plants, such as anubias, aquatic mosses and ferns. The fish have high demands on water quality and cannot tolerate the accumulation of organic waste (food leftovers, excrement, etc.). When keeping, it is important to ensure stable water conditions with suitable hydrochemical parameters, regularly clean the aquarium and replace part of the water (30-50% of the volume) with fresh water on a weekly basis.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful schooling fish, prefers to be in a group of 8-10 individuals. Compatible with many other non-aggressive species of comparable size and temperament.

Breeding / breeding

Breeding is similar to other small cyprinids. With the onset of the mating season, which in a home aquarium does not have a pronounced seasonality (it can begin at any time), females scatter many eggs in the water column, and males at this moment fertilize them. The incubation period lasts 24-48 hours, after another day the fry begin to swim freely. Parental instincts are not developed, there is no care for offspring, which leads to a very low survival rate of fry. Their chances are greatly increased if the eggs are transferred to a separate tank with identical water conditions. This makeshift spawning aquarium usually has a small volume (from 10 liters), is equipped with a simple airlift filter and a heater. A light source is not required, the light coming from the room will be enough.

Fish diseases

In a balanced aquarium ecosystem with species-specific conditions, diseases rarely occur. Often, diseases are caused by environmental degradation, contact with sick fish, and injuries. If this could not be avoided and the fish shows clear signs of illness, then medical treatment will be required. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.