Bring dynamic movement and brilliant metallic color to your aquarium with the Longfin Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius). A selective breeding variant of the classic wild Rosy Barb, this freshwater favorite features long, elegant, veil-like fins and a shimmering reddish-pink body accented with dark markings along its dorsal and tail areas. Known for their energetic schooling behavior and hardiness, these peaceful community fish are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add vibrant life to their setup.

Quick Reference Specifications

Environment & Tank Setup To showcase the dramatic finnage of the Longfin Rosy Barb, provide a well-planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space in the middle region. Use soft to medium water currents, as excessively strong flow can stress their longer fins. Provide dark substrate, driftwood, and dense plantings (such as Java Fern, Anubias, or Amazon Swords) to make their fiery orange and pink tones pop while giving them natural shelter.

Feeding & Nutrition Longfin Rosy Barbs are enthusiastic omnivores with healthy appetites. Feed a balanced diet consisting of high-quality flake food, micro-pellets, and freeze-dried or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to boost their coloration and energy levels. Vegetable-based flakes or blanched spirulina snacks are also recommended to support digestive health.

Tank Mates & Behavior Because they are a schooling species, keep Longfin Rosy Barbs in groups of 6 or more to ensure they feel safe and reduce any potential fin-nipping behavior. Ideal tank mates include active community fish of similar size, such as tetras, danios, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful loaches. Avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned species like Angelfish, Bettas, or fancy Guppies, as barbs may occasionally target long fins if kept in undersized groups.

Breeding Guidelines Rosy Barbs are egg-scatterers that are relatively simple to breed in a dedicated setup. Prepare a separate 10–15 gallon breeding tank with soft water, dense spawning mops or fine-leaved plants like Java Moss, and a mesh bottom layer to protect eggs from being eaten. Condition the parents with high-protein live foods. Female barbs will appear plumper with eggs, while males will show dramatically intense, bright red coloration during courtship. Remove the adult fish immediately after spawning occurs, as they will consume their own eggs. Eggs typically hatch within 30 to 48 hours, and free-swimming fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.