Neon Red Christmas Rosy Barb

Neon Red Christmas Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a captive-developed color strain combining enhanced red body coloration with vivid green iridescence in the fins and along the dorsal surface — the red-and-green combination that gives this form its festive 'Christmas' name. The contrast between the deep red body and the bright green fin accents is striking and unusual, making this one of the most visually distinctive Rosy Barb color forms available.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make excellent daily staples — crush flakes for juveniles. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites to enhance the vivid pink-red coloration. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp are a good additional treat for adults. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Native to a very wide range across South Asia — northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan — making this one of the most geographically widespread barbs in the hobby. Wild fish inhabit a huge variety of habitats: mountain streams, rivers, ponds, and even rice paddies. This extraordinary range of native environments explains the species' legendary adaptability to aquarium conditions. Captive-bred stock is even more forgiving.

Keep in groups of at least six with a mix of males and females — a mixed group is important because males only develop their most vivid pink-red and gold coloration when competing for female attention. A group with multiple males displaying simultaneously is a genuinely striking sight. Active, fast-swimming, and always on the move, Rosy Barbs keep any aquarium lively. Compatible with most medium-sized, non-fin-nipping community fish.

Rosy Barbs are prolific and easy egg-scatterers that spawn readily in the aquarium among fine-leaved plants. Eggs and fry receive no parental care — in a well-planted community tank some fry will survive. For intentional breeding, a separate shallow tank with spawning mops or Java moss, slightly warmer water, and removal of adults after spawning gives the best results.

Care & Ideal Parameters