It is native to inland waters in Asia and is found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yunnan, China.

[2] Its native habitat is rivers, streams, and ponds in plains and submontane regions.

Pool barbs naturally breed within a temperature range 20–30 °C and >50 mm rainfall.

The threshold gonadosomatic index (GSI) for breeding is 10.5 units in females.

Females also need to attain a body fitness (Fulton's condition factor) of at least 1.6-1.7 units for successful spawning decision.