Pethia conchonius
Males flush a deep raspberry pink during display, especially in cooler water. Active subtropical fish that does best at room temperature — pairs well with white cloud mountain minnows and weather loaches in unheated planted tanks.
Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) reaches 8–10 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 100 L. Native to Northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful (mild fin-nipper if under-shoaled) temperament. Aim for 18–24 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–7 years with good care. Keep rosy barb in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, pellet, blanched veg, frozen daphnia and bloodworm. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only.
Care at a glance
Males flush a deep raspberry pink during display, especially in cooler water. Active subtropical fish that does best at room temperature — pairs well with white cloud mountain minnows and weather loaches in unheated planted tanks.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether rosy barb fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Flake, pellet, blanched veg, frozen daphnia and bloodworm.
5–7 yrs
Easy
Northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal
Northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) needs a minimum tank of 100 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–24 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only. Plant safety: Yes.
Rosy Barb are omnivore. Flake, pellet, blanched veg, frozen daphnia and bloodworm.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: easy.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–7 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
