Rosy Barb

The Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a hardy, active, and colorful freshwater fish native to South Asia. Growing up to 4–6 inches, males display vibrant, shimmering pinkish-red bodies while females have a subdued golden hue. They are schooling fish that thrive in groups of five or more.

Key Species Facts

• Care Level: Excellent for beginners due to their high resilience.
• Lifespan: 5 to 7 years.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, though they can occasionally nip the fins of slower, long-finned tank mates (like angelfish) if kept in too small of a group.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (roughly 113 liters) for a small school.
• Temperature: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 78°F). Because they can tolerate cooler water, they are a popular choice for unheated or temperate setups.
• pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5.
• Environment: Recreate their natural, fast-flowing river habitats with a moderate water current, plenty of open swimming space, and live or silk plants for cover.

Diet

Rosy Barbs are omnivores and enthusiastic, opportunistic eaters. A balanced diet should include:

• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
• Blanched vegetables such as zucchini or peas