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Rosy barb (Pethia conchonius)
Photo: The Great Mule of Eupatoria · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Rosy barb

Pethia conchonius · Cyprinidae

Also known as Red barb

Beginner

Hardy subtropical barb that thrives in unheated rooms and eats soft algae.

In short: A rosy barb needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) and pH 6–7.8. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 6 or more, and rated beginner to keep.

Updated

Minimum tank
110 L (29 US gal)
Temperature
18–25 °C (64–77 °F)
pH
6–7.8
Adult size
10 cm (3.9 in)
Group size
6+

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume
110 L (29 US gal)
Temperature
18–25 °C (64–77 °F)
pH
6–7.8
Hardness
4–18 dGH
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet
Omnivore — flake, pellets, vegetable matter.
Care level
Beginner

Origin & habitat

Native region
Northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Cooler lowland rivers and ponds
Natural conditions
Cool to warm, medium-hard, moving water.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
6 fish
Swims
All levels
Good tank mates
Zebra danio
White cloud mountain minnow
Bristlenose pleco
Avoid
Betta
Long-finned fancy fish

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty
Beginner
Sexing
Males are red with black-tipped fins; females olive and rounder.
Notes
Prolific egg scatterer in cooler water.
Common ailments
Ich
Plant nibbling (not a disease, but a nuisance)
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