People come into the store frequently and ask, "What kind
of tropical fish can I put into my goldfish pond?" Of course, the options are very slim. But if you are looking for a colorful
active fish that can handle the varying weather conditions here in Florida, then the rosy barb is for you!
More commonly seen in stores is the long finned variety, as seen in
the above photograph. It is the same species that the short finned wild variety is, but has been bred with various other barbs
to produce the robust finnage that is so attractive. It is a generally peaceful fish, but in the confines of small tanks in
small numbers they may nip at other fish. As in most barbs, groups of six or more usually will keep them from nipping at other
fish. In ponds they do great, they stay in the upper water levels where their colors can be enjoyed and will usually stay
away from goldfish fins if kept in large groups.
These fish originate in India, and can be found in rivers and streams
and lakes. Wild rosy barbs are likely collected for commercial purposes anymore. In the 1960's-70's a new form of rosy barb
was bred in Russia, and this was the long finned version. It's fins were not the brilliant colored ones pictured above, but
it was found by crossing these russian fish with various other species, hybrid vigor would occur and these striking strains
of barbs became available.
Your rosy barbs that you buy in local stores originate on Florida fish
farms and increasingly from south east asian farms.
Rosy barbs would prefer cooler temperatures from the upper 60's into
the 70's, They can however adapt to and tolerate a much wider range and I have had them survive outdoors in near freezing
temperatures.
Any quality flake food will keep your barbs healthy, but occasional
live food and vegetable matter will keep the brilliant colors vivid.
Avoid extremes in pH and your rosy barbs will do fine and as always,
T's Olde Towne Pet Shop ALWAYS recommends doing a 10-15 percent water change WEEKLY to keep your tank and fish healthy!
