Asoka barb
A fast-swimming cyprinid endemic to Sri Lankan rivers.
The Asoka barb is a small freshwater fish found only in specific river systems in Sri Lanka. It thrives in fast-flowing, unshaded waters with gravel beds and distinct temperature requirements.
- Endemic to Sri Lanka rivers
- Reaches 17 cm in length
- Prefers fast-flowing unshaded water
- Juveniles school in shallow depths
What it is
The Asoka barb is a species of cyprinid fish known for its speed and elusive nature. It grows to a maximum length of 17 centimetres. This fish is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It inhabits the upper reaches of specific river systems, preferring clear, fast-moving currents over gravel or sandy bottoms. Its streamlined body allows it to navigate strong flows with ease, making it difficult to spot from the water surface.
Where it lives
This species is restricted to the upper sections of the Sitawaka River and its tributaries in Sri Lanka. It is also present in the Kelani River near Kitulgala. The fish requires specific environmental conditions, including a water temperature between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The pH level of its habitat typically ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. These rivers provide the fast-flowing, unshaded environments that the Asoka barb needs to survive.
How it lives
Adult Asoka barbs occupy deeper water zones, usually one to two metres deep. They are fast swimmers and tend to stay in unshaded areas where the current is strong. Juveniles behave differently, gathering in large schools of 30 to 100 individuals. These young fish stay in very shallow water, often just 5 to 25 centimetres deep, located downstream from the adult habitats. Their schooling behaviour likely offers protection during their early growth stages.
Questions people ask about Asoka barb
Where does the Asoka barb live?
It is found only in Sri Lanka, specifically in the upper Sitawaka River and the Kelani River near Kitulgala. It prefers fast-flowing freshwater with gravel or sand bottoms.
How big does the Asoka barb get?
This fish can reach a maximum total length of 17 centimetres, which is approximately 6.7 inches. It is considered a small to medium-sized cyprinid.
What water conditions does it need?
It requires fresh water with a temperature between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the water must be fast-flowing and unshaded.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Asoka barb", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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