Dawkinsia exclamatio
Puntius exclamatio
A rare Indian barb with a uniquely puzzling two-blotch pattern that may not even be a true species.
About
Found only in the Kallada River of Kerala, India, this small cyprinid, Dawkinsia exclamatio (still widely listed under its old name Puntius exclamatio), is one of the more taxonomically intriguing fish you might stumble across in the hobby. It turns up only rarely, usually as an accidental addition mixed into shipments of lookalike relatives such as Dawkinsia assimilis. What sets it apart visually from its close relatives is a distinctive pair of dark blotches on each flank. One on the mid-body and a horizontally elongated, teardrop-shaped blotch running along the caudal peduncle. Interestingly, every other member of its group carries either one or three such markings, making the two-blotch pattern unique. Whether that actually reflects a true distinct species or a natural hybrid between co-occurring relatives is still an open question, with some specimens showing variable traits that blur the lines further. In the wild it inhabits clear-water stretches with rocky and pebbly substrates, comfortable in both calm pools and brisk current. In the aquarium it is an active, peaceful schooling fish that really should be kept in groups of eight or more. Larger schools not only look more natural but help keep any minor squabbling among males in check. A solid choice for a roomy riverine community setup.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Dawkinsia exclamatio
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Dawkinsia exclamatio get?
- The Dawkinsia exclamatio reaches about 2–4" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Dawkinsia exclamatio need?
- A minimum of 43 gallons is recommended for the Dawkinsia exclamatio, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Dawkinsia exclamatio need?
- The Dawkinsia exclamatio does best with a temperature of 66–77°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–10 dGH.
- Is the Dawkinsia exclamatio aggressive?
- The Dawkinsia exclamatio is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Dawkinsia exclamatio eat?
- The Dawkinsia exclamatio is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.