The Java barb has a strongly compressed body with an elevated back caused by an arched dorsal profile.

[1] The Java barb is found in the middle of the water column to the bottom in rivers, streams, floodplains, and sometimes in reservoirs.

[6] The pituitary gland of the Java barb is frequently used to enable artificial propagation of other species of fish in aquaculture.

Escaped farmed Java barb have established populations which support fisheries on several Southeast Asian islands.

[1] In fish farms, silver barbs rarely exceed 40 cm (16 in) in length and 1.5 kg (3 lb 5 oz) in weight.