S. denisonii is a benthopelagic species that is gregarious and shoals are known to occur in rocky pools with thick vegetation along their banks.

As reported by Practical Fishkeeping in January 2009, new research by team of scientists from India suggests that the species is being over-exploited for the aquarium trade, potentially placing it at risk of extinction.

[8] In spite of being listed as endangered by local assessment reports[9] the fish had been promoted as an 'export item' by several government agencies.

The population structure, age, growth, mortality and harvest intensity in the Valapattanam River was studied and suggests that the species is being over-exploited.

Though the Government of Kerala banned the fishing and export of the endangered barb, it is yet to be listed under the National Wildlife Protection Act.

[7] These efforts may pave the way for standardizing the process and would be a major boost to conservation and the ornamental fish trade in India.