Rosy Barb (Puntius conchonius)

Rosy Barbs, Puntius conchonius, are pretty popular among aquarium hobbyists and are readily available. A peaceful temperament, bright colouration, and hardiness make these fish desirable.

Among the Barb species, these are significant members. They are great additions to a community aquarium since they enjoy being with others of their kind and won't bother other fish. These Barbs also do well in ponds.

It is best to keep rosy barbs in groups of no fewer than six, with larger groups being better. When kept in greater numbers, the fish will become less skittish, and the display will appear more natural.

Other medium-sized to large Cyprinids, Rainbowfish, and Gouramis would make ideal tankmates for Rosy Barbs. It would also be possible to house these fish with loaches, catfish, and plecos.

For Rosy Barbs, the ideal aquarium would include rocks of varying sizes, pebbles, fine gravel, sand, and perhaps some small boulders. Aside from driftwood, aquatic plants like Microsorum and Anubias would also benefit your fish.

Rosy Barbs have torpedo-shaped bodies and forked tails. Reddish pink colouration covers the male's body with black markings on the sides and fins and a black blotch on the caudal peduncle. In females, the body is pinkish-gold, and their fins are unmarked.

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Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Rosy Barb will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.