Pet fish Corner - The Arulius Barb
Taken from the February 1985 TTAA Newsletter
Author: Pisces, Image: Paul Barrow

Many aquarists prefer to keep medium—sized fish in the three to six inch range, and if not preferring Cichlids, there are many attractive Barbs that fit in the bill. The Arulius Barb, Barbus Arulius, is one of these fish, attaining the maximum size of five inches.
It comes from Malaysia and was first introduced to this country in 1849. Even though it has been known to aquarists for many years it has only been available in quantity since the 1950’s, and is considered a very good show fish when fully matured and in good condition.
The Arulius has a solid, elongate body with one pair of long maxillary barbels the mouth. Its body colouration is most lovely. The back is delicate brown becoming silver at the flanks. This silver takes on a reddish lustre, however, as the fish ages, and the scales along the lateral line are numerous shiny green spots. The belly is yellowish and on the gill plates there is a green sparkling blotch.
Over these colours there are dark markings, from the front edge of the dorsal fink, starting narrowly and gradually widening is a dark mark with descending vertical ends just above the belly. Behind this mark is a smaller blotch on the back approximately half way along the dorsal base line, and following this mark at the rear edge of the dorsal and directly above the anal fin is a round blotch which extends from back to belly. Finally, there is a dark spot at the caudal root.
The tail fin, or caudal fin to give its correct name, is coloured yellow with bright red tips. The anal fin is colourless except for the outer edge which is carmine. The ventral fins are usually colourless but may sometimes have a suggestion of pale yellow. The dorsal fin is beautiful in the male as it takes on an increasing deeper red colour with age and the rays of the fin become extended in  a comb-like fashion.
The female’s dorsal fin is not as colourful and does not acquire extensions. The Arulius is an easy fish to feed, liking a varied diet but as with all Barbs requiring a good measure of green food such as spinach, bruised lettuce or cooked peas.