Rosy Barb

Puntius Conchonius

Max. size      13cm / 5.0inches
pH range      6 – 8
dH range      5-19
Temp           22C/64.5 – 71°F
Care            Moderate

Common names- Rosy Barb, Red Barb, Rosie Barb

The Rosy Barb has been a popular aquarium fish for many years due mainly to its ease of care and peaceful temperament as well as its bright colours. 

 It is larger than a lot of aquarium fish and needs to be kept in shoals of five or more in a tank of a minimum twenty gallons.

They originate from the sub-tropical parts of South East Asia and are common in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan where they inhabit lakes and fast flowing streams.

The female Rosy Barb is silver with a red tinge which becomes more luminous during the breeding season whilst the male Rosy Barb will change from silver to a rich claret glow during the breeding season.  Both have black decorations on their fins. Some Rosy Barb also display black markings on their sides. The males tend to be smaller than the females.

There is a long-finned variety of Rosy Barb available for aquarists.

Rosy Barbs can be kept in ponds as well as aquariums but you need to avoid temperatures below roughly sixteen degrees as this will prove stressful or worse for the fish.

Always keep Rosy Barbs in shoals of five or more and do consider the size of the tank in relation to their full grown size and not the size that you buy them at.  Always include a lot of plants but avoid soft leafed plants as the Rosy Barb will nibble and may destroy the plants.

The Rosy Barb is a good community fish that will mix well with fish that enjoy similar water conditions.  They are thought to be one of the easiest fish to care for and are recommended for beginners.  They will cope with a wide variety of water conditions but avoid extremes of acidity or temperature.

Wild Rosy Barb are opportunistic omnivores and their captive cousins need a varied and interesting diet .  They will eat a broad range of food, including flakes, pellets and frozen food as well as vegetables like boiled zucchini and peas.  They will also eat algae which will help to keep your aquarium clear. 

They will scatter eggs when breeding and like all egg scatterers will see the resulting fry as a tasty treat.  Survivors will have hidden amongst the weed unless they were removed to a separate tank.

Read about the Albino Cory next

Photo - Wikipedia