Systomus pleurotaenia (Bleeker 1863)

Tends to form small shoals. More abundant in the larger, clearwater, undisturbed, deep (>1m), heavily shaded streams. Stays in the middle of the water column. Feeds on filamentous algae, terrestrial insects and detritus.

Tends to form small shoals. More abundant in the larger, clear water, undisturbed, deep (>1m), heavily shaded streams. Stays in the middle of the water column (Ref. 6468). Feeds on filamentous algae, terrestrial insects and detritus (Ref. 6703). No observations on breeding in captivity. Maturity at 6.4 cm (Ref. 6468). Does well at 29°C water temperature. Exploited by the tropical fish export trade, larger specimens are eaten.

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial

The side-striped barb or black-lined barb (Systomus pleurotaenia) is a species of cyprinid fish endemic to Sri Lanka where it occurs in the catchment of the Kelani and Nilwala Rivers. This species can reach a length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in) TL. It is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries and can also be found in the aquarium trade.