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AI illustration of a left-facing adult male short-fin rosy barb of aquarium trade form, with copper-red coloration, a dark rear-flank spot and a dark dorsal-fin tip

Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

Copper-rose scales and a rear flank spot.

Ordinary short-fin males have deep flanks, reflective scales and a rear dark spot. Females and non-display fish may be much less red.

Adult length
Up to 10 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature
16–24 °C
Lifespan
5–7 years
pH
6–8
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Natural habitat
Inhabits lakes and fast-flowing hill streams.

Gold, neon and long-fin forms are the same species.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Systomus pyropterus is a synonym.

Same-species behaviour

Males display in groups, but they do not always school continuously.

Space requirements

A 100 × 30 cm base and at least 8–10 fish. Plan adult swimming space, cover and stable water quality together.

Diet and feeding

Vary small prepared, live or frozen foods with plant content; grazing does not replace feeding.

Compatibility limits

Check companion size, activity and cooler conditions, and watch competition.

Aquarium environment

Plant cover and dark substrate suit the display.

Sources

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22

www.aqualog.de ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

PeekFish · Ornamental fish

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