Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

Rosy Barb is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 10.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 10Beginner

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 61–75°F (16–24°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 10

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 16–24 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Rosy Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Rosy Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 10.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India Bangladesh Nepal Pakistan Afghanistan.

Important notes

Cooler-water preferences may conflict with long-term tropical community temperatures; long-finned colour and fin forms are selective-breeding variants.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Rosy Barb get?

Rosy Barb reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Rosy Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

Is Rosy Barb peaceful?

Yes. Rosy Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Rosy Barb?

Keep it between 16 to 24 °C.

Should Rosy Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Rosy Barb: Keep in a school of at least 10.