What size tank do rosy barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pethia conchonius.
How many rosy barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if rosy barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many rosy barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | 6 |
| 55 gallon | up to 9 |
| 75 gallon | up to 13 |
| 125 gallon | up to 21 |
Check rosy barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, rosy barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for rosy barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Zebra danio
- Peppered corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Panda corydoras
- Bronze corydoras
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Rosy barb likes 64–75 °F (18–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as rosy barb.
Questions and answers
What size tank do rosy barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many rosy barbs should be kept together?
At least 6. Rosy barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can rosy barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Rosy barb needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do rosy barbs need?
64–75 °F (18–24 °C), with a pH of 6–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can rosy barbs live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Rosy barb likes 64–75 °F (18–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.