ROSELINE SHARK

Roseline Shark (Sahyadria denisonii), also known as Denison Barb, Red Line Torpedo Barb, or Denison's Barb, is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its striking colors and active schooling behavior, the Roseline Shark can be a beautiful addition to larger community tanks. Here’s a comprehensive care guide for Roseline Sharks:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, but a larger tank (75 gallons or more) is preferable, especially if you keep a school of Roseline Sharks. They are active swimmers and need ample space to swim.
• Aquascape: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas. Include dense vegetation along the tank's back and sides, with open areas in the center. Use plants like Java fern, Vallisneria, and Anubias. Adding driftwood and rocks can create hiding spots and a more natural environment.
• Substrate: A dark substrate like fine gravel or sand is ideal, enhancing the fish's natural colors.
• Lighting: Moderate to bright lighting is recommended. Bright lighting will help bring out the colors of the fish and support plant growth.
• Cover: Roseline Sharks can be shy initially, so having some cover in the form of plants and decorations can help them feel secure.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Roseline Sharks prefer a temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer water, but stability is key.
• pH: Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.8. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions.
• Hardness: These fish do well in soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 5-15 dGH.
• Water Quality: Roseline Sharks are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are essential to maintain good water quality. Use a water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: A strong filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality, as Roseline Sharks are sensitive to pollutants. Canister filters or high-quality hang-on-back filters are recommended.
• Water Flow: They thrive in environments with moderate to strong water flow, mimicking their natural habitat in fast-flowing rivers. Ensure the tank has good water circulation.

Feeding

• Diet: Roseline Sharks are omnivorous. Provide a varied diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food, along with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. They also enjoy blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and peas.
• Variety: A varied diet ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients and helps maintain their vibrant colors.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times a day, offering only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.