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
Water Parameters
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
Rosy 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosy Barb
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Similar Species
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.
Red Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
Native to Lake Sentani in Indonesia, this species is famous for the brilliant salmon-red coloration of mature males. They are large, active schooling fish that develop a distinct high-arched back as they age. Females are vastly different in appearance (olive-gold). They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
Sahyadria denisonii
An endangered, stunningly colored cyprinid endemic to the fast-flowing streams of the Western Ghats in India. Characterized by a torpedo-shaped body with a striking red line and black stripe. They are highly active, fast swimmers that require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and cooler tropical temperatures. They are strictly shoaling fish and can be skittish if kept in small numbers.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
A highly popular, peaceful schooling fish recognizable by its metallic copper/orange body and the distinct black triangular 'porkchop' patch on its hindquarters. Originating from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Southeast Asia, they are active swimmers that thrive in heavily planted aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow.
Sterba's Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
A highly popular and peaceful schooling catfish known for its striking white-on-black spotted pattern and bright orange pectoral fins. Uniquely among Corydoras, they thrive in higher temperatures, making them excellent bottom-dwelling companions for warm-water species like Discus. They are obligate shoalers and must be kept on fine sand to prevent the erosion and infection of their delicate barbels.