Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 10–15 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 30 gal |
| Temperature | 18–22°C |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–15 dGH |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet | Omnivore — flakes, pellets, frozen foods, blanched vegetables |
| Schooling | 6+ required |
Tank Setup
The Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) requires a minimum tank size of 30 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 18–22°C, pH 6.0–7.5, and hardness 4–15 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and planted areas to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Rosy Barb are semi-aggressive fish. Choose tankmates carefully — they may not be suitable for all community setups.
Compatible tank mates include: White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Zebra Danio, Goldfish (juveniles), Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco. Always ensure all species share similar water parameter requirements before mixing.
Schooling requirements: 6+ required. Keeping them in adequate numbers is essential for their wellbeing.
Diet & Feeding
Rosy Barb are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet to ensure optimal health and colouration.
Omnivore — flakes, pellets, frozen foods, blanched vegetables
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues. Supplement with live or frozen foods for optimal health and colour.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Rosy Barb can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Rosy Barb is possible in the home aquarium.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — caves or hiding places for egg-laying species. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Many Rosy Barb will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Rosy Barb need?
A Rosy Barb needs a minimum tank size of 30 gal. However, larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Rosy Barb easy to keep?
Rosy Barb are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.
What do Rosy Barb eat?
Rosy Barb are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet including flakes, pellets, frozen foods, blanched vegetables.
Can Rosy Barb live with other fish?
Rosy Barb are semi-aggressive. Compatible tankmates include: White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Zebra Danio, Goldfish (juveniles), Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco. Always research compatibility before mixing species.