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.
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Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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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.
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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.
