Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb - Pethia conchonius

Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)

The Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb, Pethia conchonius, is a colourful captive-bred form of the Rosy Barb, selected for extended flowing fins and darker black edging or tipping to the fins. Males can develop rich rose, red or coppery colouration, especially when settled and displaying, while females are usually fuller-bodied and more softly coloured. This is a hardy, active and attractive barb for larger community aquariums, but the longfin form should be kept away from fin-nipping tank mates.

Common Name:
Longfin Black Tipped Rosy Barb, Longfin Rosy Barb, Black Tipped Rosy Barb, Rosy Barb, Red Rosy Barb.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pethia conchonius
Formerly known as Puntius conchonius or Barbus conchonius.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 8–10 cm in aquariums, although some references record larger wild or exceptional individuals.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The longfin black tipped form is captive-bred and does not occur as a natural wild population. Wild Pethia conchonius is native to South Asia, including India and surrounding regions, where it inhabits lakes and fast-flowing hill streams. It is a subtropical species that naturally tolerates cooler water than many standard tropical community fish.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to hard freshwater; adaptable, but best in clean, stable, well-filtered water with good oxygenation.

Temperament:
Peaceful, active and sociable. Rosy Barbs are usually good community fish when kept in groups, but they are lively swimmers and may unsettle very shy fish. The longfin form is more vulnerable to fin damage, so avoid nippy or aggressive tank mates.

Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, Rosy Barbs feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. In the aquarium, offer quality flakes, small pellets, granules, frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and occasional vegetable or spirulina-based foods. A varied diet helps support colour, condition and fin growth.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 120 litres is recommended for a group, with larger aquariums preferred. A longer aquarium with open swimming space is better than a small tall tank, as this is an active shoaling barb.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water shoaling fish that spends much of its time swimming in open areas, exploring plants and displaying among its own kind. Keep at least 6 individuals, with 8–10 or more preferred for confidence and natural behaviour. Males may develop stronger rosy colour and display more actively when kept in a settled mixed group. Longfin individuals should be protected from rough decor, strong fin-nippers and overcrowded conditions.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful to moderately active community fish such as danios, rainbowfish, larger rasboras, medium tetras, peaceful loaches, Corydoras-type catfish, bristlenose plecos, gouramis with care and other calm barbs. Avoid tiger barbs, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nipping fish, very tiny tank mates, slow long-finned species and fish requiring consistently high tropical temperatures.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in groups rather than singly or in pairs. This species is best kept in cooler tropical or unheated indoor aquariums rather than very warm community tanks. Provide good filtration, regular water changes, open swimming room, plants and shaded areas. Longfin varieties need careful tank mate choice because extended fins can be damaged by nipping or rough handling. A secure lid is recommended, as active barbs may jump when startled.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common to occasional in trade / Captive-bred fin and colour form

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.