Neon Rosy Barb

The Neon Rosy Barb is a colour-selected strain of Pethia conchonius bred for maximal pink-to-magenta intensity and a slightly more compact body form. Under good lighting, males are almost luminous, creating a spectacular schooling display.

Care requirements are the same as the standard Rosy Barb. The neon trait is maintained through selective breeding and may fade slightly in suboptimal conditions, recovering when fed a high-carotenoid diet and kept in well-lit, clean water.

An excellent choice for temperate community aquariums, especially when combined with other cool-water schooling species and robust plants.

Water: 14–22°C, pH 6.0–8.0, GH 4–15; feed high-carotenoid foods to maintain colour intensity. Tank: minimum 100 L, good lighting, robust plants; open schooling space in the midwater. Feeding: omnivore — colour-enhancing flake, pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp. Breeding: egg-scatterer; same as standard Rosy Barb; colour trait maintained by selective pairing. Compatibility: peaceful in groups; avoid very slow, long-finned tank-mates.