Striped Hill Trout

About

Occasionally turning up in the trade under the name 'striped hill trout' or 'banded hill trout', Barilius barna is a sleek, active cyprinid from the clear, gravelly hill streams and larger rivers of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, with records also from the Mekong basin. In the wild it occupies well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water, and that restless energy comes with it into the aquarium. The body is marked with 9 to 11 dark blue vertical bars, and the last dorsal-fin ray extends all the way to the caudal base, both useful pointers for telling it apart from similar species. It is an exceptionally fast swimmer and a vigorous feeder, which means slower or more timid tankmates can find themselves outcompeted at mealtimes, and anything small enough to swallow is at risk. The best companions are similarly sized, robust, active cyprinids, along with bottom-dwellers like Garra, Botia, or Schistura that occupy different zones. Despite being gregarious, this species forms a pecking order rather than a true school, so a group of five or more is important. Smaller groups can lead to persistent bullying of subordinate fish. Breeding in captivity has rarely been documented, though cool water changes appear to encourage spawning activity. An intermediate-level fish that rewards keepers who can match its need for space and movement.