Dawkinsia denisonii
An active, river-system barb with a striking red-tipped tail and a black-and-gold lateral stripe. Endangered in the wild and protected by Indian export limits, captive-bred fish are the right purchase. Needs a long tank with flow.
Roseline Shark (Dawkinsia denisonii) reaches 12–15 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 250 L. Native to Western Ghats, India, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 18–25 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–8 years with good care. Keep roseline shark in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Sinking pellet, flake, frozen bloodworm, blanched veg. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (size + activity).
Care at a glance
An active, river-system barb with a striking red-tipped tail and a black-and-gold lateral stripe. Endangered in the wild and protected by Indian export limits, captive-bred fish are the right purchase. Needs a long tank with flow.
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The parameters that decide whether roseline shark fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Sinking pellet, flake, frozen bloodworm, blanched veg.
5–8 yrs
Very hard
Western Ghats, India
Western Ghats, India
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Roseline Shark (Dawkinsia denisonii) needs a minimum tank of 250 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–25 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (size + activity). Plant safety: Yes.
Roseline Shark are omnivore. Sinking pellet, flake, frozen bloodworm, blanched veg.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 3/5. Intermediate, stable parameters and a mature tank matter. Breeding difficulty: very hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–8 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
