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The Platinum Torpedo Barb, sold as Sahyadria denisonii sp. Platinum, is a striking ornamental form of the well-known Denison torpedo fish. Its pale, almost silver-white metallic coloration highlights its streamlined body and energetic swimming style. Native to the Western Ghats of India, this schooling cyprinid comes from clear, well-oxygenated waters. It therefore requires a spacious aquarium, moderate current and stable water conditions. Its availability remains very rare, especially for well-shaped specimens with a strong platinum appearance.

General species description

Sahyadria denisonii sp. Platinum is an ornamental variety of Cyprinidae derived from Sahyadria denisonii, rather than a separate species. The standard form is a fast-moving, peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in a group to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. In a suitable aquarium, it mainly uses the middle water levels and swims continuously in open water. The Platinum form retains the species’ slender shape and active nature, but its coloration is strongly lightened. It suits larger community aquariums with calm tank mates of comparable size. **Water quality**, swimming space and **strong oxygenation** are essential for long-term care.

Geographical origin and biotope

Country of reference: **India**. The nominal species comes from the Western Ghats, particularly Kerala, where it is associated with clear, cool to temperate and well-oxygenated streams. The habitat generally contains rocks, pebbles and noticeable current, with riparian vegetation that may partly shade the streambed. The Platinum form is a selectively bred ornamental fish and does not represent a separate wild population. In the aquarium, aim for a **tropical stream environment with moderate current**, efficient filtration, surface movement and visual shelter. Avoid creating a flow so strong that the fish cannot feed or rest comfortably.

Precise location and local name

The reference locality commonly associated with the species is the **Chalakkudy River** in Kerala, southwestern India. The species also occurs in other river basins of the Western Ghats. In the aquarium trade, it is often called **Miss Kerala**, referring to its regional origin and elegant appearance. The name Platinum describes the selected color form offered here. This trade name should not be understood as a scientific name or as evidence of a different geographical origin. Correct identification remains important because several small Asian cyprinids may be sold under similar commercial names.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is streamlined, slender and adapted for sustained swimming. In the wild form, a dark lateral stripe is commonly accompanied by a red marking on the front of the body and yellow or black tones in the fins. In Sahyadria denisonii sp. Platinum, overall pigmentation is greatly reduced: the body appears **silvery white or platinum**, sometimes with translucent fins and softer contrasts. The head is relatively narrow and the caudal fin is deeply forked. Adults reach about **15 cm**, sometimes more depending on conditions and measuring method. The form remains robust, but it needs a long aquarium footprint to display its natural schooling and swimming behavior.

General diet

This species is omnivorous and usually accepts a varied diet. Offer small portions of quality pellets or flakes, supplemented with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae. Vegetable foods may also be included, especially preparations containing algae or finely processed vegetables. Feeding **small portions** once or twice daily helps limit waste and supports good body condition. Young fish benefit from more frequent meals. A varied diet helps maintain growth, vitality and overall coloration, even though the Platinum form naturally remains much paler than the wild type.

Essential data

• River of origin: Chalakkudy
• Local name used: Miss Kerala
• Origin of the scientific name: Sahyadria refers to the Sahyadri mountains, another name for the Western Ghats; denisonii honors William Thomas Denison.
• Etymology of the full name: Sahyadria identifies the mountain region of origin; denisonii is a commemorative name; sp. indicates a form or variety rather than a separately described species; Platinum describes the pale metallic coloration.
• Common/vernacular names: Platinum Torpedo Barb, Miss Kerala, Platinum Denison Barb
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Subfamily: Cyprininae
• Name pronunciation: sa-hya-dree-ah deh-ni-soh-nee eye - plat-i-num
• Discovery: Francis Day, 1865
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 20 to 26 °C; pH 6.5 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear, well-oxygenated water, noticeable current, pebbles and riparian vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Peaceful small cyprinids, stream loaches, robust rasboras and similarly sized catfish
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, schooling, active and constantly swimming
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep stream areas
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult females are often rounder; males may be more slender
• Bottom structure and flow: Pebbles, gravel and rocks; moderate to strong flow

In your aquarium

To succeed with Sahyadria denisonii sp. Platinum, provide an aquarium at least 120 cm long for a group, with filtration capable of maintaining **very clean, well-oxygenated water**. A stable temperature around 22 to 25 °C, slightly acidic to neutral pH and regular water changes are suitable. Keep several individuals together and avoid slow, fin-nipping or overly aggressive companions. Provide open swimming space, a few rocks, hardy plants and calmer areas. **Stable water parameters** matter more than excessive decoration. Because this variety is very rare, select active, undamaged and well-fed specimens, then acclimate them gradually.