The Rosy Barb is a good choice for beginners as it is very hardy.  It comes from India.  It is known by the scientific names Puntius conchonius and Barbus conchonius.  Males are a deep red when ready to breed, while females have a yellow base to their color.  A small dark patch is apparent just before the tail fin.  Breeders have also developed a  Long Fin Rosy Barb and a Neon Rosy Barb.  Rosy Barbs are active swimmers and need open space.  They will also dig in gravel.  They are a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 4 - 6 or more to reduce aggression.  They eat standard flake foods, freeze dried blood worms and occasional live brine shrimp.  Cooler temperatures and a quality diet can improve their colors.

For breeding, a separate tank should be used and make sure it doesn't have a filter that will siphon up the fry.  Separating the male and female before breeding can help.  Soft water is preferred.  Rosy Barbs will spread hundreds of clear eggs on finely leaved plants, such as Cabomba.  After spawning, the parents should be removed.  The fry will hatch in a few days and they are very tiny.  Brine shrimp is best for feeding the fry, although finely crushed flakes may work.

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