How to Care for a Rosy Barb

Rosy barbs are among the easiest of freshwater aquarium fish to keep and maintain, which makes them perfect for beginning hobbyists. These undemanding little guys get along very well with most other unaggressive species near their own size and larger. Rosy barbs are happiest in groups of five or more of their own kind. A lone rosy barb can become stressed, cranky and snippy toward other members of the community. Schools of rosies tend to turn their attentions to each other and leave other species to their own devices.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium heater
  • Aquarium salt
  • Live and artificial plants
  • Tropical fish food flakes
  • Goldfish food flakes
  • Tropical fish and goldfish pellets (optional)
  • Live or frozen tropical fish food
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Add plenty of live and artificial plants to your aquarium to mimic the rosy barb's natural habitat. These fish are omnivores and will nibble live foliage, so try to stay away from soft-leafed or delicate specimens. Java moss is a good choice because it's tough and durable.

    • 2

      Set the aquarium heater between 64.5 and 71.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the best range, although these fish can tolerate temperatures between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit if they're introduced gradually.

    • 3

      Maintain aquarium pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

    • 4

      Add about a teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon. Rosy barbs typically fare well in nearly any clean water conditions.

    • 5

      Feed your rosy barb a variety of foods. They are far from fussy when it comes to dinner, and will eat nearly anything. Offer tropical fish food flakes, goldfish food flakes, and even tropical and goldfish pellets. Rosies also relish the occasional live or frozen tropical fish foods.

    • 6

      Change 10 percent of the aquarium water weekly. Rosy barbs are fussy about clean water.