Malabar Baril
Barilius gatensis
A bold, fast-moving hill stream fish that needs equally assertive tankmates.
About
The Malabar Baril (Barilius gatensis) is a lively cyprinid native to the clear, fast-flowing hill streams of India's Western Ghats, where it spends its time darting over gravelly and rocky substrates. It's a handsome fish, identifiable by a row of 13 to 15 dark blue vertical bars along the body, sometimes blocky, sometimes breaking up into fragments in older individuals, along with dark pigment at the base of the dorsal and anal fins and a single pair of small rostral barbels. Despite being shoaling rather than strictly schooling, it has a clear social hierarchy within a group, which means keeping five or more individuals together is important. Fewer than that and subordinate fish can end up on the receiving end of persistent bullying. This is not a fish for a typical community setup. It's an extremely quick and competitive feeder that can easily intimidate shy or slow-moving species, and anything small enough to fit in its mouth is at risk. It does best alongside other robust, similarly-sized cyprinids and compatible bottom-dwellers. Breeding in captivity has not been documented. An intermediate-level species, the Malabar Baril rewards keepers who can replicate its active, well-oxygenated natural environment.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Malabar Baril
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Malabar Baril get?
- The Malabar Baril reaches about 3.5–6" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Malabar Baril need?
- A minimum of 71 gallons is recommended for the Malabar Baril, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Malabar Baril need?
- The Malabar Baril does best with a temperature of 61–79°F, a pH of 6–7.8, hardness around 2–25 dGH.
- Is the Malabar Baril aggressive?
- The Malabar Baril is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Malabar Baril eat?
- The Malabar Baril is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Malabar Baril live?
- With good care, the Malabar Baril typically lives 5-10 years.