Rosy Barb

Author : Efrain Silva

Appearance

What about the Rosy Barb? I’m sure it’s a fish name you’ve heard before. The Rosy Barb, my friends, is a rosy - red colored fish that is cheerful to gaze upon as is its nature as well. It is a peaceful, happy type of fish. Its pinkish - red color — and take note of this — can become bolder and redder as it is mating with other fish of its type.

The biggest recorded one, so far, has been 6 inches, length - wise! The females appear ‘plumper’ than their males, and even much more so during pregnancy, as is to be expected.

Diet

The diet should be an omnivorous one — this fish will take every opportunity it can to eat well and not remain hungry! Good for it. It should take care of itself, live long, and prosper, in my opinion…..

A good mix of plants and insects, crustaceans, flakes, pellets, frozen goodies, and even vegetables (like peas, cucumbers, and zucchinis) can go a long way in keeping it happy. Did you know that hair algae is often known to grow around in some aquarium homes as well? This, they love to eat, too! Always avoid feeding your fish way too much, though.

Origins

This Rosy Barb fellow comes from the one, the only, the far- reaching, South East Asia!!!!! You can find it here throughout the many beautiful water - dwellings seen throughout Bangladesh, all the way to AFGHANISTAN! This fish gets around. The name it was first scientifically given, and still holds to this day, in many circles, is that of the Pethia conchonius. Try to say that backwards, and ten times fast!

So it’s Asian, mainly. You can also see it in many Asian supermarkets in the U.S. This fish has been exported and sold all over the globe.

Roommate Situation

The roommate? Or roommates? Well, buckle yourself in, you might want to sit down for what I’m about to tell you next —- the Rosy Barb gets along well with community aquariums! It’s a sociable, peaceful fish altogether. It is made to be in a fish school, as experts have stated that it actually gets stressed out when in solitude (a true, natural extrovert, at heart). So do get some roommates to help its loneliness go away!

It can aggressively nip fins, though. That’s just some of its drawback behavior. But put it in a school of 5+ fish, and this tendency will not be a problem as it won’t mess with others in a larger tank or group. Also include some rope fish or knife fish ; paradise fish are great tank mates, too.

Other Facts to Note

I just can’t believe how well this fish can jump (take note of it, in case it tries to get away and starts choking when above water). High levels of nitrates, too, it can tolerate.

This is one really genetically - gifted sort of fish. And not only that, but its body can tolerate a lot higher temperatures than most other fish only ever dreamed of being able to support, such as ranges within 64 to 72 F.