Barilius Bakeri - The Blue Spotted Hill Trout
The Barilius Bakeri or Blue spotted Hill Trout is a shoaling fish you won't see very often in the local fish stores. Originating from the Western Ghats mountains in southwestern India, these Cyprinidaes offer an appealing alternative to the usual barbs/danios.
You may see these fish being sold under several names like 'blue-dotted mirror fish' or 'royal danio' all sporting the catching bluish-green spots along the length of the body. These spots begin to fade slightly as the fish ages. a paper white flick is also present on the tip of the dorsal and anal fins.
Compatibility
In the aquarium they should be kept in groups of five or more. This will allow the species to develop a pecking order and prevent other smaller fish being targeted. If kept in a smaller group, the smallest fish could become a continuous target for the more dominant fish and if kept individually, they would eventually become aggressive to any similar looking fish in the aquarium. With this in mind, the blue spotted hill trout does not work well in most community set ups. As these fish grow up to 13cm in the aquarium, are extremely fast swimmers and are vigorous feeders, only similar competitive fish should be considered for tank mates.
- Giant Danio
- Scissortail Rasbora
- other Barilius species
- Mascara Barb and other Dawkinsia species
Some bottom feeders are compatible too such as:
- Garra
- Clown Loach
- Yoyo Loach and other Botia species
- Siamese Algae Eater
- stone loaches
Breeding
Adult females lack the bright vivid colour and grow thicker bodies and are generally larger than the males, especially while gravid.
Courting males will develop breeding lumps (tubercles) on the head and the lower portion of the body develops orange pigmentation.
Large cool water changes promotes spawning fairly easily. Eggs are scattered and unguarded so the addition of a spawning mop works very well. Fry are raised on small live foods.
Feeding
The Blue spotted hill trout is predominantly a surface feeder and consumes a mixture of aquatic and terrestrial insects. This can be replaced with good quality dried food supplemented with regular live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Artemia and daphnia.
Water Conditions
Temperature - 18 - 26 degree celsius
pH - 6.0-7.5
Hardness - 18-179 ppm
A well oxygenated fast flowing river biotope with a surface area of 150 * 60 cm is idea. substrate should be medium grain with larger cobbles or boulders with some wood for decor.
The Blue Spotted Hill Trout is sure to draw attention in any home aquarium. The definitely make an interesting alternative to the usual shoaling fish.
If your looking for an unusual breeding project or fancy something different, Riverside Aquaria in Livingston currently have these in stock for £7.99 each
Reference from: Seriouslyfish.com, Image property of my-fish.org