Origin.
Roseline sharks originate from the Kerala province in India. Some nine
streams contain populations of these colorful barbs. They can also be
found in streams from neighboring countries that are less accessible.
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2-inch roseline shark -- probable male.
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Less colorful 4-inch probable female roseline shark. 2-inch swordtail
below.
Sexual differences.
Male roseline sharks (like other barbs) sport more color than the females -- very
common in most species of fish. Females likely get plumper right
before the monsoon (spawning) season. The monsoons bring in more and
faster water flows as well as additional food.
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Temperature.
Before the monsoons begin, the weather is warmer and so is the water.
Roseline sharks seek out the deeper and cooler portions of their home
streams.
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Breeding Behavior.
Roseline sharks prefer to spawn en masse -- much like other
egg-scattering barbs. Your chances of breeding them increase as the
numbers in your herd increase.
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Attitude.
Like all schooling fish, roseline sharks prefer each others' company.
They like follow the leader games as well as displaying to each other.
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Biggest Threat.
Over-fishing continues to diminish their numbers in the wild. They are
probably India's most popular export fish. And the local population
considers them an easily netted tasty treat.
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Security.
Not particularly a shy fish, roseline sharks do act more comfortable in well
planted aquaria. And since they come from fast flowing streams, a well
placed powerhead makes them feel even better.
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They get along with peaceful cichlids like geiophagus and angelfish.
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Foods.
Roseline sharks, like most other barb, are omnivores -- they will eat almost
any food you offer them. Give them a good variety of nutritious foods -- flakes, pellets, frozen, live as well as an occasional nip of the local
foliage,
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Dropsy -- prognosis not good.
Relatively Disease-Free.
When kept in well oxygenated water with low organics (frequent water changes
with a gravel vacuum), roseline sharks seem to be relatively disease free.
The one above is the only one I've seen contract a disease. Treatment?
Get rid of the patient.
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Two males.
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Probable females.
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Probable males.
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Hard to sex youngsters.
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Males.
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Next to Last Words.
I doubt this page on roseline sharks expanded your knowledge of the roseline
sharks. I originally intended to spawn these critters No
such luck, but that doesn't mean I've stopped trying. And, they
make a great looking addition to nearly any community tank. LA
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Only fry so far -- about one inch.
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All the same guy. Not much of a harvest.
After the Last Words.
Out of several breeders in a 29-gallon tank, we harvested ONE roseline shark
fry. Not a lot, but
it proves they can be spawned in captivity. LA
PS It's easier to catch roseline sharks if you use an 8-inch
wide net.
LA
Rats! It's not a roseline shark. December 13, 2011.
LA
I have still not spawned these barbs.
© 2008,
© 2011,
© 2012
LA Productions
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