Tankwise

A hardy barb that flushes rose-red when happy — a good shoaler and tolerant of cooler water.

  • Temperature18–26 °C
  • pH6–7.5
  • Minimum tank60 L
  • DifficultyBeginner
FoodFlake + frozen food
Feeding1–2 feeds a day
Water change25% weekly

Behaviour and habits

The rosy barb is a hardy, active shoaler that flushes rose-red, especially the males, in good conditions, and it is one of the most tolerant small fish. It is slightly boisterous but far less nippy than the tiger barb, and it tolerates cooler water than most tropical fish, which makes it useful in temperate tanks. It is happiest in a group of six or more with room to swim, and it grazes algae and vegetable matter between meals.

What to feed, and how often

Flake or pellet plus frozen foods and some vegetable matter; feed once or twice a day. It is a greedy eater, so avoid overfeeding, and a varied diet with greens keeps the rosy colour rich and the fish healthy.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 25% weekly in soft-to-neutral water, matched closely. It is very tolerant, even of cooler temperatures, but clean, stable water keeps the shoal in colour and good condition.

Care and how easy it is

One of the easiest barbs and a good choice for an unheated or temperate community, provided it has a group and some room.

Common health problems

Hardy; ich follows a chill and fin rot follows poor water.

If it gets sick

Keep the water clean and steady, and treat early if spots or ragged fins appear.

Good tank mates

GuppyBeginner with population planning
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
  • 22-26 C
  • pH 7.0-8.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Livebearers | Social; males pursue females | Omnivore
PlatyBeginner
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
  • 20–26°C
  • pH 7–8.2
  • 50 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore
MollyBeginner
MollyPoecilia sphenops
  • 22–28°C
  • pH 7–8.5
  • 70 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore
Neon tetraIntermediate; stable group aquarium
Neon tetraParacheirodon innesi
  • 21-25 C
  • pH 6.0-7.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Tetras & rasboras | Peaceful shoaler | Omnivore

Best avoided with

Similar species

Harlequin rasboraBeginner
Harlequin rasboraTrigonostigma heteromorpha
  • 22–27°C
  • pH 6–7.5
  • 60 L+
Tetras & rasboras · Peaceful · Omnivore
Zebra danioBeginner
Zebra danioDanio rerio
  • 18–26°C
  • pH 6.5–8
  • 60 L+
Danios & minnows · Peaceful · Omnivore
White cloud mountain minnowBeginner
White cloud mountain minnowTanichthys albonubes
  • 16–24°C
  • pH 6–8
  • 50 L+
Danios & minnows · Peaceful · Omnivore
Chili rasboraIntermediate
Chili rasboraBoraras brigittae
  • 24–28°C
  • pH 5.5–7
  • 30 L+
Tetras & rasboras · Peaceful · Carnivore

Compare at a glance

ParametersRosy barbHarlequin rasboraZebra danioWhite cloud mountain minnow
Parameters
Temp18–26 °C22–27 °C18–26 °C16–24 °C
pH6–7.56–7.56.5–86–8
GH4–15 °dGH2–12 °dGH4–20 °dGH4–18 °dGH
Min. tank60 L60 L60 L50 L
Size7 cm5 cm5 cm4 cm
DietOmnivoreOmnivoreOmnivoreOmnivore
TemperamentPeacefulPeacefulPeacefulPeaceful
DifficultyBeginnerBeginnerBeginnerBeginner

Care guides

GuideHow Often Should You Feed Fish?Overfeeding causes more aquarium problems than underfeeding. Here is a realistic feeding routine, and the signs that you are giving too much.GuideHow Often Should You Change Aquarium Water?Water changes remove waste that the filter cannot, and keep minerals topped up. There is no single number, but there is a simple way to find yours.GuideHow to Treat Ich (White Spot Disease)Ich looks alarming but is one of the most treatable fish diseases. Act early, raise the heat, and it clears within a week or two — here is how.

New to the words? See the aquarium glossary.

Sources and research notes

Parameters are typical ranges for the species in home aquariums and vary with the individual fish and the water you use.