Roseline Shark
Roseline Shark
Roseline Shark (Sahyadria denisonii), also known as the Denison Barb, Miss Kerala, or Red Line Torpedo Barb, is one of the most spectacular schooling fish available — a torpedo-shaped silver body with a vivid red stripe running from snout through the eye to mid-body, a parallel black stripe extending to the tail, and a flash of yellow-green on the forehead. IUCN Endangered, endemic to the fast-flowing hill streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Karnataka, India.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, and Hikari Vibra Bites 2–3 times per week. Active, fast schooling fish — feed in flow to simulate natural feeding behavior.
Endemic to fast-flowing, highly oxygenated hill streams of the Western Ghats — rivers including the Chaliyar, Valapattanam, and Chalakudy in Kerala and Karnataka. At the peak of aquarium export, S. denisonii constituted 60–65% of all live ornamental fish exported from India, making it a primary driver of its own endangerment. The Kerala government subsequently banned collection and implemented strict management. Commercial captive breeding has now reduced pressure on wild populations, and most stock available today is captive-bred — a significant conservation recovery.
Named for Sir William Thomas Denison, Governor of Madras 1861–1866, by ichthyologist Francis Day in 1865. Keep in groups of at least 6 — these are active, fast schooling fish that display their best behavior in numbers. They need strong filtration, high oxygenation, and cooler temperatures than most tropical fish — reflecting their hill stream origins. They are strong jumpers — a tight-fitting lid is essential.
The Roseline Shark is one of the great conservation success stories in the aquarium hobby — a species driven to the brink of endangerment by the aquarium trade that has been partially rescued by the same trade developing successful captive breeding. A spectacular fish with a meaningful story.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active schooling; needs flow and oxygenation |
| Typical Adult Size | 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 60–77°F (15–25°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.8 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Western Ghats hill streams, Kerala and Karnataka, India (IUCN Endangered) |
| Notes | IUCN Endangered. Was 60-65% of all live fish exports from India at peak. Named for Governor Denison by ichthyologist Francis Day, 1865. Kerala government banned collection. Captive breeding now widespread. Hill stream species — needs high O2 and cooler temps. Strong jumper — tight lid. |
