Rosy Barb – Pethia conchonius

Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius
Common Name: Rosy Barb

The Rosy Barb is a colorful and active freshwater schooling fish known for its shimmering silver-to-rose body, reddish coloration, and energetic swimming behavior. Mature males typically develop the strongest rosy-red coloration, particularly when displaying or in breeding condition, while females generally have a fuller body and more subdued coloration.

Native to South Asia, Rosy Barbs are hardy and adaptable fish that have remained popular in the aquarium hobby for decades. Their combination of attractive coloration, manageable size, and active schooling behavior makes them an excellent addition to appropriately sized community aquariums.

Rosy Barbs are social fish and should be kept in groups. Maintaining a school of at least 6 helps encourage natural social behavior and creates a much more impressive display in the aquarium.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful / Active
Adult Size: Approximately 4–6 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 64–79°F
pH: Approximately 6.0–8.0
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

Recommended Setup: Provide a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of open swimming space along with plants, driftwood, rocks, or other structure. Rosy Barbs are active swimmers, so adequate horizontal swimming room becomes increasingly important as the fish mature.

Rosy Barbs tolerate cooler water than many commonly sold tropical community fish, making them suitable for a variety of freshwater setups when their temperature requirements are considered.

Feed a varied diet consisting of quality flakes, pellets, and other appropriately sized prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Vegetable matter can also be included as part of a balanced diet.

Behavior & Tankmates: Rosy Barbs are generally peaceful community fish but are active and energetic. They are best housed with other appropriately sized, active community species. As with many barbs, keeping a proper group is important, and caution should be used with very slow-moving or long-finned tankmates.

Please Note: Coloration, size, pattern, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. Males generally develop stronger red or rosy coloration as they mature. The fish you receive may differ slightly from the individual pictured.

Available Quantities: Individual fish and discounted group options are available. For their long-term well-being, we recommend keeping Rosy Barbs in a group of 6 or more.

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