Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
Also known as: Red barb, Pethia conchonius
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 6.5-10 cm (2.5-4 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 110 litres (30 gallons)
- Lifespan: 3–6 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 18–25°C
- pH: 6–7.5
- Hardness: 89–340 ppm
Care Summary
A genuinely cool-tolerant peaceful barb, often overlooked because tiger barbs dominate the 'barb' conversation in chain pet shops. Rosy barbs are larger than other community barbs, more peaceful, and uniquely tolerant of cool conditions: they thrive at temperatures where tropical species struggle. An excellent option for unheated tanks alongside white cloud mountain minnows and weather loaches. Active swimmers requiring horizontal space rather than tall tanks. Long-lived for a small barb species (5-8 years is achievable). Captive-bred specimens are widely available and hardier than wild-caught.
Tankmates
Like other barbs, best kept in groups of at least 6. Less aggressive than tiger barbs but still capable of fin nipping if kept in inadequate groups. Suitable for unheated or cool tropical tanks; temperature range overlaps significantly with cool-water species like white cloud minnows. Avoid mixing with long-finned or slow species. Males develop spectacular rosy-red breeding colouration; females are more subdued silver-gold.
Compatible with
- Zebra Danio
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Cherry Barb
- Weather Loach
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Bronze Corydoras
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- Fancy Guppy
- Long Finned Species
- Tropical Warm Water Species
Common Problems
- fin nipping in groups smaller than 6
- stress in too-warm tanks (above 26°C sustained)
- pale colour in bright open tanks
- occasional ich
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-06