A hardy, active, and colorful subtropical schooling fish. Known for the male's striking rosy-red breeding dress, while females are more golden/silver. They are voracious eaters, very active swimmers, and can be fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. Best kept in cooler water compared to tropical species. The Long Finned morph is also popular but requires gentler flow.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Red Rosy Barb, Standard Male
Female
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Gold, Silver, Standard Female
Long Finned
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Veiltail, Hi-Fin
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesRosy Barb Care Guide Summary
The Rosy Barb, scientifically known as Pethia conchonius, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Rosy Barb requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
With modest requirements and a forgiving temperament, the Rosy Barb is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male, Female, and Long Finned. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Rosy Barb Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Rosy Barb, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Keepers should note that live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Rosy Barb Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Rosy Barb is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Rosy Barb.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosy Barb
How big does Rosy Barb get?
Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Rosy Barb need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Rosy Barb. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Rosy Barb need?
Rosy Barb thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–25°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Rosy Barb peaceful or aggressive?
Rosy Barb is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Rosy Barb should be kept together?
Rosy Barb is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Similar Species
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
A highly active, peaceful schooling fish. The common 'Gold' variant is a captive-bred color morph (Schuberti) of the wild Green Barb. They are remarkably hardy and prefer slightly cooler sub-tropical water, making them excellent candidates for unheated indoor aquariums.
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
A highly active, stunning schooling fish known for the brilliant red lateral stripe running across the males. Originating from central Myanmar, they thrive in slightly cooler, sub-tropical water compared to typical tropical fish. They are robust and peaceful when kept in proper shoals, but may nip fins if stressed or kept in numbers too small.
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
A large, active, and schooling riverine species that quickly outgrows standard aquariums. Known for their metallic silver scales and red fins. They are notoriously skittish, robust eaters, and will consume almost any live plant or small fish that fits in their mouths. A massive tank with strong filtration is strictly required.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.