Rosy barb - Puntius conchonius

Scientific name: Puntius conchonius

Common name: Rosy barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 18 - 25 °C (64.4 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Rosy Barb (Puntius conchonius) originates from the freshwater lakes and slow-moving streams of Asia, specifically in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. In the wild, they inhabit waters with dense vegetation and a mix of rocky and sandy substrates, which provides ample hiding and foraging spots. Their natural habitats are characterized by soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, making them adaptable to a variety of aquarium settings.

Food and Feeding

Rosy Barbs are omnivores with a diverse diet in the wild, feeding on worms, insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they readily accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flake foods, pellets, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Supplement their diet with vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based flakes, to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health. A balanced diet not only boosts their color but also reduces aggressive tendencies. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times daily to prevent overfeeding and keep the water quality stable.

Sexing

Sexing Rosy Barbs is relatively straightforward. Males display a more vibrant pinkish or red coloration, particularly during breeding periods, and their fins have distinctive black edges. Females, by contrast, have a rounder body shape and a more subdued, silverish hue. During the breeding season, the males' colors become even more intense, serving as an indicator for aquarists looking to identify breeding pairs.

Breeding

Rosy Barbs are egg scatterers and relatively easy to breed in captivity. To encourage breeding, set up a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or use spawning mops for the eggs to attach to. Maintain a water temperature between 23-25°C (73.4-77°F) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.5-7. Use gentle water flow and dim lighting to mimic their natural spawning conditions.

During spawning, the female scatters hundreds of eggs among the plants. Once spawning is complete, remove the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after an additional 6 days. Feed the fry with infusoria or commercially available fry food until they are large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp. Keep the breeding tank’s water conditions stable, as fry are particularly sensitive to fluctuations.

Lifespan

With proper care, Rosy Barbs can live up to 5 years in an aquarium. Providing a balanced diet, stable water conditions, and regular health checks can help prevent common issues like fin rot or ich, maximizing their lifespan.

General Care Tips

Rosy Barbs are hardy and adapt well to various water conditions, making them excellent for community tanks. They thrive in a water temperature range of 18-25°C (64.4-77°F) with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Keep the water hardness within 4-18°N (71.43-321.43 ppm) for optimal health. Perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful substances.

These active swimmers should be kept in groups of at least 5 to minimize stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping species, as Rosy Barbs thrive in peaceful community setups. Ideal tank mates include other barbs, danios, gouramis, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras.

Rosy Barbs require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and open spaces. A well-planted aquarium with areas of dense vegetation, combined with open areas for swimming, helps simulate their natural environment and keeps them active. Providing a varied diet and stable water conditions will help them display their best colors and contribute to their overall well-being.