Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 10 cm. It needs at least 100 litres and 6 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
14 - 25 °C
Valor de pH
6 - 8
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Meio
Tamanho adulto
10 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 100 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 6
GH
5 - 20 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
95 - 400 ppm
Condutividade
148 - 625 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Pethia conchonius; the verified classification records genus Pethia, family Cyprinidae, subfamily Smiliogastrinae, order Cypriniformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Rosy Barb is social and should be kept in a group. The minimum reference is 6 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Rosy Barb needs an aquarium of at least 100 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 6 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 14–25 °C, pH 6–8. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally active temperament. Keep at least 6 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Sul e Sudeste Asiático
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Active
- Rosy Barb has a generally active temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- This species is highly omnivorous and will enthusiastically accept a wide variety of foods in the home aquarium. Their staple diet should consist of high-quality flake or pellet foods formulated for omnivorous tropical fish. To ensure optimal health and coloration, this should be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They also require some vegetable matter in their diet, which can be provided through blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods. A varied diet is key to keeping their immune system strong and their colors vibrant.
- Expectativa de vida
- 3-5 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 10 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Group
- Rosy Barb is social and should be kept in a group. The reference minimum is 6 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- Rosy Barbs have a healthy appetite and a fast metabolism, so they benefit from being fed multiple small meals throughout the day. Offering food two to three times daily is considered ideal for adult specimens. It is important to only feed an amount they can completely consume within a couple of minutes to prevent water fouling. Overfeeding can easily lead to digestive issues and rapidly degrade water quality due to their high bioload. Fasting them for one day a week can also help clear their digestive tract.
- Carga biológica
- Medium
- As an active and relatively robust species, the Rosy Barb produces a moderate to high bioload in the aquarium. They are enthusiastic eaters that metabolize food quickly, leading to significant waste production. To maintain optimal water quality, a powerful filtration system is highly recommended. Regular and substantial water changes are also necessary to keep nitrate levels in check. Overcrowding should be strictly avoided to prevent the bioload from overwhelming the biological filter.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- Coming from flowing rivers and streams in their natural habitat, Rosy Barbs appreciate moderate to strong water movement in the aquarium. Good water circulation not only mimics their native environment but also helps ensure adequate oxygenation, which is crucial for these highly active fish. A spray bar or a strategically placed powerhead can be used to create the desired current. However, there should also be areas of gentler flow where the fish can rest when needed. Heavy planting in certain corners can effectively break up the current and provide these resting spots.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- Like many active, mid-to-top dwelling cyprinids, Rosy Barbs pose a moderate risk of jumping out of the aquarium. This risk is particularly high when they are first introduced to a new environment or if they are startled by sudden movements or lighting changes. If the water quality deteriorates, their instinct to leap in search of better conditions may also be triggered. To prevent any unfortunate accidents, the aquarium should be fitted with a tight, secure lid or a specialized mesh cover. Ensuring the water parameters remain stable will also minimize jumping behavior.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Rosy Barbs are egg-scatterers that provide absolutely no parental care to their eggs or fry. During the breeding sequence, the male will intensely pursue the female, encouraging her to release eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Once the eggs are fertilized and scattered, the adult fish will eagerly consume them if given the opportunity. To successfully raise the fry, it is essential to use a separate breeding tank where the adults can be removed immediately after spawning. The fry are extremely small and will require infusoria or liquid fry food for their first meals.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally active temperament. Keep at least 6 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- Middle
- Rosy Barbs are highly active swimmers that will utilize all levels of the aquarium, though they predominantly occupy the middle and lower middle strata. They are rarely stationary and can often be seen constantly cruising back and forth across the length of the tank. Their dynamic nature means they require plenty of unobstructed horizontal swimming space. While they appreciate heavily planted areas for refuge, the center of the aquarium should be left open for them to school freely. Occasionally, they will also venture to the surface during feeding time.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2,9 ± 0,33 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.00891, b = 2.96
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
Galeria de imagens
Imagens licenciadas vinculadas à espécie ou, quando marcadas, ao táxon representativo mais próximo.


































































