All fish / Cyprinidae

Periyar algae eater

Tariqilabeo periyarensis

Also known as crossocheilus periyarensis, periyar flying fox, periyar crossocheilus, periyar algae eater

This is a slim, streamlined barb-like fish from a single river system in Kerala. It is silvery brown with a darker band along the flank and grazes on surfaces with its sucker-like mouth. Keepers interested in rare Western Ghats species value it, and it suits cool, well-oxygenated stream tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

20 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: biofilm and algae, sinking wafers, vegetable matter, small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

India: Periyar River basin, Kerala

Breeding

There are no well-documented captive spawnings. Like its relatives, it probably scatters eggs over gravel in flowing water and gives no parental care.

Good to know

Classed as Endangered by the IUCN and found only in the Periyar basin, so any fish on sale may be wild-caught and should be bought only from responsible sources. It needs strong flow and plenty of oxygen, and it is easy to mix up with Crossocheilus and Garra species.