It originates in inland waters in Asia, and is found in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Swamp barbs will grow in length up to 6 inches (15 cm) and weigh up to 60 grams (2.1 oz).

It is found in streams, rivers, canals, mangroves, marshes, swamps, ponds, and inundated fields, mainly in shallow water.

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

[citation needed] For colour photos of P. chola in courtship, see: Nuptial colouration and courtship behaviour during induced breeding of the swamp barb Puntius chola, a freshwater fish by Vincent, Moncey & Thomas, John K. in Current Science Vol 94. p. 922.