The rosy barb is one of the
largest and most hardy barbs available. They have a pink tint with the male
being overall more colored. Their large size gives them high visibility when
viewed in a fish tank. Relative ease of care and simple water conditions for
this fish also make it a popular choice.
Feeding Rosy Barbs
In their native habitat these
fish consume insects and their larvae, small crustaceans, tiny worms and some
plant matter.
This omnivorous diet is easily replicated in the aquarium by providing a general
purpose flake and frozen foods such as bloodworms.
Profile
Family - Cyprinidae
Size -
Can grow to 6 inches but typically under 10 cm
Fish Origin -
Native to the northern regions of India
Water - Ph 6.5 to 7.5 and
hardness ranging from quite soft to hard
Temperature - Rosy barb
temperature can be from 18 to 24 degrees
Feeding
- Omnivore that accepts many foods
Sexing - Females rounder and
males are more pink.
Breeding - Egg layer
Aquarium
- These barbs are a peaceful community species
Video Of Puntius Conchonius
Rosy Barb Breeding
Rosy barbs are not considered
difficult to breed and are ideal for people new to fish breeding. They should be
well conditioned before breeding to get the best results. Select large well
matured parent fish. Feed them plenty of frozen foods and wait for the female to
become ripe with eggs. In this condition she will appear plump and round.
One pair should be introduced to a small fish tank. You can let the female enter
the breeding aquarium a few days before the male to let her become settled.
Unlike the male she will need to be in the mood to breed and this time can help
her get ready.
A large aquarium is not essential for successful reroduction. The tank should be
set up with a sponge filter, plants and a marble substrate. The sponge filter is
ideal for the new fry that will hatch as they can feed from it's surface and
will not be caught inside it. The plants help the rosy barbs feel at home and
will catch some of the eggs. The marble substrate stops the barbs from eating
any eggs on the bottom because they will fall through where they cannot be
reached.
Courtship behaviors are typically seen in the morning. Males peruse the female
and fertilizes the falling eggs as they are released. Several hundred tiny eggs
are typical for the size of the spawn.
Fry take between one and three days to hatch. The rosy barb fry will not become
free swimming until they have become close to exhausting their egg yolk. After
this time fine foods such as powdered fish flake or newly hatched brine shrimp
should be provided.
The rosy barb has been interbred with tiger barbs to produce hybrids that are
sometimes sold in pet stores. These fish are usually infertile and should not be
expected to breed successfully.
