Rhombus Barb

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius
• Common Names: Longfin Rosy Barb, Rosy Barb
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to the freshwater streams and rivers of Southeast Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Male Longfin Rosy Barbs are known for their bright coloration, typically exhibiting a rosy pink or reddish hue with a silver undertone. They also feature darker vertical stripes on their bodies. The long fins are often translucent with a reddish or orange tint, making them particularly striking.
• Size: They generally grow to about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length.
• Body Shape: Longfin Rosy Barbs have a slender, streamlined body that is laterally compressed, facilitating agile swimming.
• Fins: Their long, flowing fins are the main distinguishing feature of this variety, giving them a more elegant appearance compared to their shorter-finned counterparts.

Behavior

• Temperament: Longfin Male Rosy Barbs are peaceful and social fish, making them suitable for community aquariums. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment.
• Social Structure: It’s best to keep them in groups of at least 6 or more to promote natural behavior and reduce stress. They often display schooling behavior and thrive in the company of their own kind.
• Activity Level: These fish are very active and will often be seen darting around the tank, foraging for food or interacting with tank mates.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Rosy Barbs inhabit freshwater environments, including slow-moving rivers and streams with dense vegetation and sandy bottoms.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots using plants, rocks, or driftwood. A sandy or fine gravel substrate works well, and ensure there is open swimming space.

Diet

• Feeding: Longfin Male Rosy Barbs are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake food, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and occasional live foods (such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Longfin Rosy Barbs are egg scatterers. They do not exhibit parental care, and the eggs are typically scattered among plants in the breeding tank.
• Nesting: To breed them successfully, provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants where females can scatter their eggs.
• Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch (usually within 24 to 36 hours), the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they grow large enough for larger foods.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Longfin Rosy Barbs.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: Good filtration is essential to maintain water quality, as they are sensitive to poor conditions. Regular water changes are also necessary.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Longfin Male Rosy Barbs can coexist with a variety of community fish, including tetras, rasboras, danios, and other small to medium-sized fish. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species or larger fish that may bully them.
• Behavior with Others: While generally peaceful, they may exhibit some territorial behavior during breeding or if kept in overcrowded conditions. Providing ample space and hiding spots can help mitigate aggression.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Longfin Male Rosy Barbs can live for about 5 to 7 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• The Longfin Male Rosy Barb is particularly admired for its elongated fins, which can be quite beautiful, especially during breeding displays when their colors become more vibrant.
• They are an excellent choice for beginner aquarists due to their hardy nature and adaptability to various water conditions.