Description

Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: South Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan)

• Size: 4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years

• Tank Zone: Mid & bottom dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 300 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 18 – 25°C (64 – 77°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Males develop a beautiful rosy-pink to red body, especially during breeding.

• Females are larger, rounder, and more silver/gold.

• Peaceful and hardy, suitable for beginners.

• Active swimmers that brighten up community tanks.

• Can tolerate slightly cooler water compared to many tropical fish.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous.

• Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), blanched veggies (spinach, cucumber, peas).

• Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small portions.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (larger for groups).

• Filtration: Moderate to strong, with good water movement.

• Decor: Plants (hardy types), driftwood, smooth rocks, open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 5–6 (schooling fish; keeps them active & peaceful).

• Tank Mates: Danios, Barbs, Tetras, Loaches, Corydoras, Gouramis.

• Avoid: Very slow or long-finned fish (they may nip fins occasionally).

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups for best color and behavior.

• Provide open swimming space plus plants for hiding.

• Use a well-filtered, oxygen-rich tank.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in very small tanks (they are active).

• Don’t keep alone – they lose color and become shy.

• Don’t house with delicate, fancy-finned fish.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Hardy, colorful, and peaceful barb – great for community aquariums.

• Males show their best red colors when kept with females.

• Can live in slightly cooler tanks, making them versatile.