Vital Statistics

Description

Origin: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh

Size: 5.5 inches

Temperament: peaceful

Sociability: schooling

Breeding: egglayer

Sexing: males have much brighter color in breeding season

Diet: omnivorous

Water Chemistry: pH 6.0–7.8; dH 5–19

Temperature: 65–72°F

Above: Male longfin rosy barb and male neon rosy barb

Rosy barbs were one of the first fishes kept by aquarium hobbyists. They are hardy, colorful, and active. Though often kept in tropical aquariums, this fish is actually a coldwater species, and prefers cooler temperatures.

Both males and females are silver with a touch of olive, but males develop a bright cherry flush in breeding season. The scales are highly reflective. Many tank-raised strains, which tend to hold their colors year around, have since been developed. They include neon rosy barbs (whose colors envelope more of the body) and albino rosy barbs. Gold rosy barbs reflect gold instead of silver. Blushing rosy barbs have transparent gill covers.