Rosy Barb | Puntius conchonius
Cyprinds / Barbs / Rosy Barb
Profile: Rosy Barb
Puntius conchonius Synonyms: Barbus conchonius, Cyprinus conchonius, Systomus conchonius
Physical description: The Rosy Barb has no barbels and has slight lateral compression. The back is copper to green-gold. The flanks are bright orange to red and metallic looking. Near the caudal peduncle is a black spot. The reddish fins may be elaborate with the anal and dorsal fins have black borders along the upper-parts. Males turn a deep, but bright red color at spawning times.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm), although rarely larger than 4" (10 cm) in captivity.
Similar species: None
Habitat: Inhabits still and moving waters. Asia; Bengal and Assam (Northeastern India).
S: All
Aquarium: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 20 gallons (75 L) or a tank measuring 30" (76 cm) with a capacity of 20 gallons (75 L) is adequate for smaller fish (under 4"-10 cm). Leave large open swimming areas. Plant the corners and rear of the aquarium with hardy plants. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand and a few floating plants add comfort.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.8), 2-10 dH (5), 64-75°F (18-24°C)
Social behavior: A lively, schooling species that may disturb quieter species in a community tank. Adults may nibble fine or soft leafed plants.
Suggested companions: Danios, Gouramis, Loaches, Doradids, Loricarids, Epalzeorhynchus.
FOOD: Live; Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; Tubifex, flying insects; flakes; spinach.
SEX: Males are smaller and more colorful.
Breeding techniques: Use a breeding tank with a substrate of marbles and furnished with many fine-leafed plants. The water should have a temperature between 73-79°F (23-26°C) and a water level of only three to eight inches. Add one male and two females to the tank during the evening. After an active, morning courtship, the fish spawn among the plants. They are notorious egg-eater and should be removed immediately after spawning. The tank should be covered with dark paper so the chances of fungal infections is reduced. The eggs hatch after 24-30 hours and the fry can be fed with roftiers, liquid foods, and powdered flakes foods after their yolk sac is finished.
Breeding potential: 5. A prolific species that is easy to breed if the eggs can be protected from the parents. It is not uncommon for some fry to reach maturity in a sparsely populated, heavily planted tank.
Remarks: Sexually mature from 2.4" (6 cm). A common form, the Long-finned Rosy Barb is widely available. Fish are sensitive to large amounts of new water, so frequent partial water changes should be made.
Difficulty of care: 2. A robust species that is an excellent candidate for the community tank having other active fish.