Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

SpeciesShort profile

From South Asia: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh (also listed for Afghanistan and Myanmar), especially the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins; hill streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and swamps1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 15 cm1 2 3

Lifespanup to 5 years3

Sizemedium

Seriously Fish gives 10 cm SL, FishBase 14 cm TL and Wikipedia up to 15 cm, usually about 10 cm in aquariums

Wikipedia: up to 5 years

Very hardy

Beginner friendly

Glowing rosy colour

1 2

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied scaled cyprinid

A sturdy, deep-bodied barb with a shiny silvery-gold body and a dark spot near the tail. Males are slimmer and take on a deep rosy-red flush, especially at breeding time, and have black in their fins; females are fuller-bodied and golden.1 2 3

Colourssilvery goldrosy red (males)black fin markingslong-finned, neon and golden strains1 3

Personality what they are like

Generally peaceful and lively, it fits a well-planned community tank. It quickly learns feeding times and gathers eagerly at the front of the tank.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active schooling fish that needs swimming space along the length of the tank.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Undemanding and adaptable. Regular partial water changes and a varied diet keep its colour strong; dark gravel shows it off nicely.1 2 3

Home where they are happiest

A tank with a base of at least 100 x 30 cm (about 90 litres); FishBase suggests at least 80 cm length. Temperature 16-24 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 5-20 °H. It tolerates cooler, unheated water well.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that eats worms, insects, small crustaceans and plants. Offer good dried food with plant content plus small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep a group of at least 8-10 for natural schooling and the best colour. Suits other community fish such as tetras, livebearers and rainbowfish.1

The story where it all began

Francis Hamilton described the rosy barb in 1822 from Bengal. It became one of the classic aquarium barbs thanks to its toughness, and breeders have since produced long-finned, veil-tail, neon and golden strains.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
At breeding time males take on a rich claret-red flush.2
2
It is often called one of the hardiest of all barbs.2
3
It handles cooler water better than most tropical fish.2
4
Breeders have developed long-finned, veil-tail, super red, neon and golden forms.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (March 2010)2
FishBase: Described by Hamilton in 1822; highly commercial in the aquarium trade2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Rosy Barb. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Rosy Barb?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, as they eagerly gather at feeding time. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. A varied diet keeps them healthy and colourful.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Rosy Barb eat, and what should it never eat?

They are omnivores that enjoy worms, insects, small crustaceans, and plants. Offer good dried food with plant content plus small live or frozen foods like bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia. For foods to avoid, please ask a vet or experienced breeder, as specific restrictions are not listed here.1 2

How much space does a Rosy Barb need?

Provide a tank with a base of at least 100 x 30 cm (about 90 litres) to give them swimming room. They are active schoolers that need length to swim, and FishBase suggests at least 80 cm length.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Rosy Barb need?

They thrive in water temperature 16, 24 °C, pH 6.0, 8.0, and hardness 5, 20 °H. They tolerate cooler, unheated water well. For lighting, general aquarium lighting is fine; ask a good breeder for specific preferences.1 2

How often should I clean a Rosy Barb's home?

Perform a 25% water change weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter in old tank water monthly. Furry Diary's plan follows this routine to keep colours bright and the fish healthy.1 2 3 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Rosy Barb live with others?

Yes, they are generally peaceful and lively, fitting a well-planned community tank. Keep a group of at least 8, 10 for natural schooling and best colour, and they suit other community fish like tetras, livebearers, and rainbowfish.1

How long does a Rosy Barb live?

With good care, they can live up to 5 years. Enjoy their active presence during that time.3

Can I handle a Rosy Barb?

Handling is not recommended as it can stress or injure them. It's best to admire them in the tank; if you need to move them, use a soft net and consult a vet for guidance.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Seriously Fish - Pethia conchonius seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, sexing, strains
FishBase - Pethia conchonius fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, water parameters, diet, colour, hardiness
Wikipedia - Rosy Barb en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, aquarium size, feeding behaviour, sexing

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.