The Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a popular, active, and hardy subtropical freshwater fish native to southern Asia. They are well-loved for their vibrant copper and red metallic scales and are considered one of the best choices for beginner aquarists due to their resilience.
Quick Species Profile
Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius (formerly Puntius conchonius).
Adult Size: Typically 10–15 cm (4–6 inches).
Lifespan: 3–5 years.
Temperament: Peaceful but highly active; can become "nippy" if not kept in a proper school.
Care and Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum of 75–115 litres (20–30 gallons) for a small group. Larger tanks are better as they are fast, energetic swimmers.
Water Temperature: They prefer cooler "temperate" water between 18°C and 23°C (64°F–74°F). They are hardy enough to live in outdoor ponds during warm months.
Social Needs: They must be kept in schools of at least 5–6 fish. Larger groups (10+) further reduce aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Aquascape: Provide plenty of open swimming space with hardy, tough-leaved plants (like Anubias or Java Fern) at the edges. They may nibble on softer, delicate plants.
Special Note: They are excellent jumpers; a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Diet and Feeding
Rosy Barbs are voracious omnivores and will eat almost anything offered:
Staple: High-quality flakes or pellets.
Treats: Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, peas, or cucumber.
Algae Control: They are known to aggressively eat hair algae and black brush algae (BBA), often used as a natural cleaning crew.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
While generally peaceful, their high energy and potential for fin-nipping mean you must choose companions carefully.
Best Mates: Sturdy, fast-moving fish like Danios, Swordtails, Corydoras, and other Barbs.
Avoid: Slow-moving or long-finned fish such as Bettas, Angelfish, and Fancy Guppies, as their fins will likely be nipped.
Gender Differences
Males: Brighter red/rosy coloration, more slender, and often have black tips on their fins.
Females: Paler gold, silver, or olive-yellow and noticeably plumper, especially when carrying eggs.
SKU: RBM
