Jerdon's carp

About

Found in the fast-moving rivers and deep pools below the Western Ghats of peninsular India, Hypselobarbus jerdoni is a large, active cyprinid native to Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. It is currently listed as Endangered in the wild, which makes its rarity in the aquarium trade unsurprising. Only a handful of species in the genus have ever shown up for sale, and this is one of them, though sightings are genuinely uncommon. In its natural habitat it moves through deeper stretches of large streams in sizeable schools, grazing on leaf litter, plant debris, and organic matter from both the water column and the bottom. In an aquarium that activity level stays high, and while the species is not aggressive by nature, its constant energetic movement and vigorous feeding can stress slower or shyer companions. It will also likely consume fish small enough to fit in its mouth. For those with the space and resources, it does best in a large group of six or more. Solitary individuals or small groups can become nervy and unsettled. Robust, similarly-sized tankmates work well, and an all-Indian community of large cyprinids is a particularly natural pairing. Breeding has not been achieved in captivity, and any serious attempt would require considerable commitment.