It originates in inland waters in Asia, and is found in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

It natively inhabits clear or muddy streams, and rivers, as well as standing waters, with a silty bottom.

It feeds on worms, benthic crustaceans, insects and plant matter.

The spotted sail barb is of commercial importance in the aquarium trade industry.

The swamp barb is an open water, substrate egg-scatterer, and adults do not guard the eggs.