Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
4 inches
Temperature
64-77°F (18-25°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Rosy Barb
The rosy barb is a robust, attractively colored fish from the subtropical hill streams of northern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Males develop a deep rosy-pink to red body coloring during breeding season, while females remain a more subdued golden-olive. Rosy barbs are among the largest commonly kept barb species, reaching about 4 inches, and are exceptionally hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 64°F. They are active, peaceful schoolers that bring color and movement to mid-water levels. Their subtropical origin makes them one of the few tropical fish suitable for unheated aquariums in temperate homes, and they are a popular choice for outdoor ponds in warm climates.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 64-77°F (18-25°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Rosy barbs thrive in cooler water at 64-77°F, making them ideal for unheated tanks and compatible with other cool-water species like white cloud mountain minnows and peppered corydoras. Keep them in schools of at least six in a tank of 30 gallons or more. They are generally peaceful but may nip at very slow-moving or long-finned fish. Males show their best rosy coloring in the presence of females and when fed a varied diet including quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. They are enthusiastic eaters that may consume soft-leaved plants, so use hardy species like Java fern and Anubias. Rosy barbs are extremely hardy and excellent for beginners.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
10cm
Adult Size (4")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Rosy Barb
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Tank Mates for Rosy Barb
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
easy · 20+ gal
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
easy · 30+ gal
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
easy · 20+ gal
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Rosy Barb need?
A Rosy Barb needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Rosy Barb need?
Rosy Barb thrive in water between 64-77°F (18-25°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Rosy Barb easy to care for?
Rosy Barb are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Rosy Barb get and what do they eat?
Rosy Barb reach about 4 inches and are omnivores. Rosy barbs thrive in cooler water at 64-77°F, making them ideal for unheated tanks and compatible with other cool-water species like white cloud mountain minnows and peppered corydoras. Keep them in schools of at least six in a tank of 30 gallons or more. They are generally peaceful but may nip at very slow-moving or long-finned fish. Males show their best rosy coloring in the presence of females and when fed a varied diet including quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. They are enthusiastic eaters that may consume soft-leaved plants, so use hardy species like Java fern and Anubias. Rosy barbs are extremely hardy and excellent for beginners.