Product Details

Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb – Pethia conchonius

The Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb is a colourful captive-bred form of the Rosy Barb, known for its warm red to copper body colour, extended flowing fins and contrasting dark fin tips. Also sold as the Longfin Rosy Barb, Black Tip Rosy Barb, Rosy Barb or under older trade names such as Puntius conchonius, this active shoaling fish is well suited to spacious planted aquariums and cooler tropical community setups. It is hardy, lively and attractive, but it should be kept in a proper group with tank mates that will not nip its longer fins.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb
Other Names: Longfin Rosy Barb, Black Tip Rosy Barb, Rosy Barb, Red Rosy Barb
Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius
Older / Trade Name: Puntius conchonius, Barbus conchonius
Strain / Form: Captive-bred longfin black-tipped ornamental strain
Fish Type: Barb / Shoaling Cyprinid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Pethia conchonius is native to South Asia, where wild Rosy Barbs occur in a range of freshwater habitats including lakes, streams and fast-flowing hill waters. These environments can vary seasonally, with areas of open swimming space, aquatic vegetation, stones, submerged roots and moderate water movement.

The Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb is a captive-bred ornamental form rather than a wild locality form. Its care should still be based on the needs of the wild species, with clean water, good oxygenation, open swimming room and planted or structured areas for cover.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barbs have the deep, streamlined body shape of the Rosy Barb, with extended fins that give the fish a softer, more flowing appearance. Colour can range from silver-gold and copper to rosy red, with males usually showing the strongest red tones when mature and in good condition.

The black-tipped fin markings add contrast, especially against the longer dorsal, caudal and anal fins. Females are usually fuller-bodied and less intensely coloured, while males tend to be slimmer and brighter. Adults usually reach around 6–8 cm, with the long fins adding extra visual size.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is well suited to larger planted aquariums, active community tanks and cooler tropical or temperate-style displays. It appreciates open swimming areas, plants around the sides and back, and good water movement without excessive turbulence.

Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barbs are peaceful when kept properly, but they are active fish and should not be kept with very shy or delicate species. Their longer fins also mean they should not be housed with known fin-nippers.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 100–120 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 80–90 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are better for bigger groups and mixed community setups.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred where space allows. A proper group reduces stress, improves colour and spreads any chasing or display behaviour between the barbs.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 18–25°C
pH: 6.0–7.8
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Rosy Barbs are adaptable, but they do best in clean, stable, well-oxygenated water. They can be kept cooler than many tropical fish and are suitable for unheated indoor aquariums where room temperature remains stable. Avoid high temperatures, poor water quality, low oxygen and sudden parameter swings.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barbs are active, generally peaceful community fish when kept in a proper group. Suitable tank mates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, danios, other peaceful barbs, medium rasboras, larger tetras, peaceful livebearers in suitable water, cory-type catfish, Bristlenose Plecos and hillstream loaches in cooler setups.

Avoid very slow long-finned fish, tiny shy species, aggressive cichlids, large predators and fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs. Although Rosy Barbs are not usually aggressive, the longfin form should be protected from fish that may chase or bite trailing fins.

Feeding:

Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barbs are omnivorous foragers. In nature, Rosy Barbs feed on small worms, crustaceans, insects, plant matter and other tiny foods. In the aquarium, 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. Vegetable and algae-based foods, including spirulina flakes, algae wafers and blanched greens, are also useful. A varied diet helps maintain colour, body condition and fin quality.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is an active midwater shoaling fish that spends much of its time moving through open areas and planted cover. Males may display to females and rival males, especially when settled, showing stronger rosy colour and raised fins.

They are egg scatterers and may breed in mature aquariums, with eggs deposited among fine plants, moss or spawning mops. Adults may eat eggs and fry, so separate breeding arrangements are needed if you want to raise young.

Care Notes:

Keep this fish in a proper group and provide enough swimming space. The longfin form needs peaceful tank mates and should not be mixed with fin-nipping species.

Avoid overheated aquariums, poor oxygenation and cramped conditions. Rosy Barbs are hardy when kept correctly, but they still need stable water, regular maintenance and a varied diet. A secure lid is recommended, as active barbs can jump when startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred ornamental 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, pattern, fin length, fin shape, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.