Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
Also sold as Neon rosy barb · Longfin rosy barb
Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 10 cm (3.9 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 61–75°F (16–24°C) and pH 6–8, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 90 L (24 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 90 L (24 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 61–75°F (16–24°C) |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Rosy Barb needs at least 90 L (24 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 29 Gallon.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Oscar, Clown Loach and Iridescent Shark: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 61–75°F (16–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 133% of what a 29 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 90 L (24 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 29 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
61–75°F (16–24°C), pH 6–8.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Rosy Barb | Odessa Barb | Black Ruby Barb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 10 cm | 7 cm | 5.5 cm |
| Min tank | 90 L | 80 L | 72 L |
| Group | 8+ | 8+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 61–75°F (16–24°C) | 64–77°F (18–25°C) | 68–81°F (20–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsgarnelio.de
- What it eatsgarnelio.de
- Mature tankseriouslyfish.com