Product Details

Hi Fin Rosy Barb – Pethia conchonius

Overview:

The Hi Fin Rosy Barb is a colourful, active barb selected for taller, more decorative finnage than the standard Rosy Barb. Mature males can develop rich rosy-red to claret tones, while females are usually rounder-bodied with softer gold, bronze or pink colouring. Sold in the trade under both Pethia conchonius and the older name Puntius conchonius, this hardy shoaling fish is best suited to a spacious planted or temperate community aquarium with plenty of swimming room.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Hi Fin Rosy Barb
Other Names: High Fin Rosy Barb, Longfin Rosy Barb, Rosy Barb, Red Barb, Rose Barb
Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius
Older / Trade Name: Puntius conchonius
Fish Type: Barb / Cyprinid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Wild Rosy Barbs are native to South Asia and are especially associated with northern India and surrounding river systems. FishBase records Pethia conchonius from lakes and fast-flowing hill streams, where the species experiences clean, well-oxygenated water and seasonal temperature variation.

The Hi Fin form is a captive-bred aquarium strain. Its long fins are selected for display, so aquarium care should combine the hardiness of the species with slightly more caution around fin-nipping tank mates and rough décor.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Hi Fin Rosy Barbs have the deep, active body shape of the standard Rosy Barb, with extended dorsal and sometimes longer flowing fin rays depending on the strain. Males usually develop stronger red, rose or claret colour, particularly when displaying, while females are often larger, rounder and more golden or silvery. FishBase describes males becoming richly coloured during breeding condition, with females larger and more luminous.

Adults usually reach around 8–10 cm, with large, well-grown fish sometimes approaching the upper end of that range. The hi-fin form should be given space to swim and show properly rather than being kept like a small nano barb.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good choice for a lively community aquarium, temperate planted setup or mixed barb display. Hi Fin Rosy Barbs are active and robust, so they suit aquariums with open swimming lanes, plant cover, smooth décor and moderate filtration. They are especially useful for aquarists wanting a colourful fish that does not require very warm tropical water.

They are not suitable for tiny aquariums, very slow long-finned tank mates, delicate nano fish or aggressive predator communities.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 120 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 90 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are preferable for bigger groups, mixed communities and mature males. Seriously Fish recommends keeping Rosy Barbs in groups of at least 8–10 specimens, which helps spread chasing and encourages natural behaviour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 18–25°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable
Additional Notes: Rosy Barbs are tolerant, but they do best in clean, well-oxygenated water with regular maintenance. They can be kept cooler than many tropical community fish, making them suitable for temperate indoor aquariums where temperatures remain stable. Avoid prolonged high temperatures, poor oxygenation and sudden water-quality swings.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Hi Fin Rosy Barbs are generally peaceful, but they are active and can be boisterous if kept in small numbers. Suitable tank mates include other active barbs, danios, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, larger peaceful tetras, rainbowfish, livebearers in compatible water, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs and robust community fish that can handle their energy.

Avoid slow long-finned fish such as fancy guppies, male bettas, fancy goldfish and delicate gouramis, as the barb’s activity and the long fins of the hi-fin strain can lead to problems in the wrong mix. Keep in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred. A larger group reduces fin-nipping risk and makes the fish look more natural.

Feeding:

Hi Fin Rosy Barbs are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small pellets and granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and bloodworm. Include vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes, blanched greens or algae-based foods. FishBase records the natural diet as including worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter, so a varied diet is ideal.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species is active during the day and usually swims through the middle levels of the aquarium, exploring open areas and plant edges. Males may chase, display and intensify in colour when females are present. The group may not form a tight shoal at all times, but individuals remain more confident and less troublesome when kept in proper numbers. Fishipedia describes the Rosy Barb as a shoaling, diurnal fish that occupies mid-depth and lower areas.

Care Notes:

Keep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality, good oxygenation and enough space for active swimming. The hi-fin strain should be protected from fin-nipping fish and sharp décor. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as understocked groups are more likely to chase other fish. A secure lid is recommended, as active barbs may jump if startled. This species can tolerate cooler water, but avoid sudden temperature drops.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred fin strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, fin length, fin shape, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.