Rosy Barbs are absolutely beautiful creatures, and they are a true joy to watch, when they are in a tank. While a few of them can have a bit of an aggressive temperament, most Rosy Barbs are very docile, especially when cared for properly.
With the correctly chosen tank mates, they will make for a beautiful setup and add color and spice to any tank, especially a planted aquarium with a nice balance of tank mates.
Contents
Rosy Barb Tank Mates – What You Need to Know
Before we take a dive into the best tank mates for your Rosy Barb, we figured we’d start by going through the ‘needs’ of your Rosy Barb. Hopefully, this info should help you to work out which fish could pair well with your Rosy Barbs, and which ones you’d probably need to avoid.
Temperament
Barbs, including the Rosy Barb, can be aggressive fish. Although, they aren’t really. While they nip at fins a little bit, they aren’t going to go out of their way to bully other fish. This is assuming those fish aren’t competing for the same resources.
Rosy Barb loses their aggressive tendencies if part of a school of Barbs. Have a minimum of 6 Rosy Barbs in your tank, and aggression won’t be a real concern.
That being said, we probably wouldn’t pair Rosy Barbs with slow-moving fish with longer fins, especially if they are considerably smaller than the Rosy Barb. They will munch on their fins.
Size
Rosy Barbs grow to around 4 inches (10cm) max in size in the aquarium, and for every six Rosy Barbs, you should have 30 gallons (100L) of tank space.
Competition
Rosy Barbs are omnivores, and they will often compete (read: bully) with smaller fish that have the same diet. So, if you’re pairing Rosy Barbs up with some smaller omnivorous fish, then you’ll want to throw in a bit of food in key locations to ensure that the Rosy Barbs won’t bully their way to the food.
They can swim at all levels in the tank. Which does pose an issue with competition between other fish. For example, the Rosy Barb has no issues swimming all the way to the bottom to eat, if needed. However, most Rosy Barbs will hover around the mid to upper levels.
Parameters & Tank Setup
Rosy Barbs are incredibly hardy fish, which does give you a bit of leeway when it comes to the Rosy Barb tank mates. Your Rosy Barb needs the following:
- Minimum of 30 gallons (100L) of space for 6 fish.
- pH: 6 to 8
- Temperature: 64 to 72 F (18-22C)
It should be noted however that the above stated temperature is their ideal temp in nature and if you wanted to try to breed them. However in the aquarium they will also be able to tolerate up to a max of 81F (27C), although this will ultimately shorten their intended life span.
Rosy Barb Tank Mates
1. African Peacock Cichlid
- Scientific Name: Aulonocara nyassae
- Adult Size: 4-6″ (10-15cm)
- Compatible with: Clown Plecos, Other Cichlids, Botia Loaches
- Care Level: Easy
- Origin: North Africa
Almost every Cichlid will pair up well with the Rosy Barbs. If you have ever owned a Cichild, then you will know that they are incredibly shy creatures. They only come out when they know that there are no predators about.
They keep an eye on other fish to see what is happening. Many fishkeepers have noted that their Rosy Barbs, swimming around a bit further up the tank, signal to the Cichlid that the coast is clear, and the Cichlid become much more active.
But, why the African Peacock Cichlid? Well, they are beautiful fish. They are available in a plethora of different colors and, out of all the Cichlids, they seem to be the easiest to care for. The only major issue is that they can be insanely territorial creatures. They won’t be bothering the Rosy Barbs. They’ll be bothering one another, so we suggest you get 4 females and 1 male. Too many males and you are just asking for trouble.
They eat broadly the same foods as your Rosy Barbs will eat, although the African Peacock Cichlid prefers more meat than plant matter.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- More active when Rosy Barbs is in the tank.
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- African Peacock Cichlid is very territorial
2. Neon Tetras
- Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
- Adult Size: 1.5″ (4cm)
- Compatible with: Corys, small catfish
- Care Level: Easy
- Origin: Amazon Rainforest
Neon Tetras are some of the most versatile fish out there, and they work well as tank mates for a lot of freshwater fish. So, why not pair them up with some Rosy Barbs? Obviously, the Neon Tetras are considerably smaller than the Rosy Barbs, but because Neon Tetras school in heavy groups, they rarely get bothered by the Barbs. They are simply too fast.
If you want to add some Neon Tetras, then we recommend that you get a minimum of 6-10 of them, just so that they can school. They need a minimum of 10 gallons (40L) of space per six Neon Tetras.
You’ll also want to pack out the tank with dense vegetation. Neon Tetras love to hide in it, and it provides them with a nice break just in case the Rosy Barbs give chase. The Rosy Barbs will love the vegetation too.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Rosy Barbs rarely chase them
- Hardy creatures can easily deal with Rosy Barb tank conditions
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Fast swimmers, which sometimes annoys the Barbs.
3. Pearl Danio
- Scientific Name: Danio albolineatus
- Adult Size: 2.6″ (6cm)
- Compatible with: Guppies, Tetras, Corys.
- Care Level: Easy
- Origin: Myanmar & Thailand
Pearl Danios are very hardy fish. They have been known to thrive in even the toughest tank conditions (some can even survive in unheated tanks, although that’s not recommended!). They should have no issues being paired up with some Rosy Barbs. Easy to look after for new fishkeepers too.
Pearl Danios are very social, but peaceful fish. They aren’t going to go looking for trouble. In fact, if the Rosy Barbs come close, they’ll rather hide than irritate them. They aren’t afraid to swim around, though. If you have 6-8 in the tank (minimum of 10 gallons (40L) for these), then you’ll see some tremendous schooling behavior.
Pearl Danios don’t really compete on the food front. While the Pearl Danio is an omnivore, just like the Rosy Barb, it is 100% fine picking up the scraps. Remember, these are smaller fish. They don’t need to eat a whole lot. Since you’ll rarely see Rosy Barbs bullying other fish over scraps of food, this makes the Pearl Danio perfect.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Hardy fish
- Rarely bothers the Rosy Barbs
- Can eat the scraps left behind by the Barbs
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Needs a long tank to encourage swimming.
4. Swordtails
- Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
- Adult Size: 5.5 inches (12cm)
- Compatible with: Tetras, Corys, Mollies, Guppies
- Care Level: Medium to easy
- Origin: Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras
Swordtails are absolutely stunning fish. They are often recommended as beginner fish, just like the Rosy Barb. Swordtails, as the name suggests, have a rather lengthy tail at the end. A few people are concerned that this could mean that the Rosy Barb will nip at them. However, they don’t. Swordtails are incredibly fast swimmers, and it is rare that the Rosy Barb will even bother trying to chase them.
Swordtails do linger around the same tank levels as your Rosy Barbs i.e. mid to top. They eat the same foods, and both fish species need to be fed multiple times per day. For the most part, they will share their food. The Swordtails are a little too big for the Rosy Barbs to want to snatch food away from them.
Although do bear in mind that Swordtails do have a pretty big appetite, it isn’t uncommon for you to give them more food than they can handle. Unfortunately, Rosy Barbs are prone to overeating, so they may pick up the food discarded by the Swordtails, which can make them sick. So, you’ll likely need to have tighter control over feeding in the tank.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Rarely competes for food
- Too fast to be nipped
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Will often leave food behind, causing Rosy Barbs to overeat.
5. Cherry Barb
- Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
- Adult Size: Up to 2″ (5cm)
- Compatible with: Platy, Celestial Pearl, Tetras
- Care Level: Very Easy
- Origin: Sri Lanka
Cherry Barbs are incredibly easy to look after. While they are considerably smaller than the Rosy Barb, it isn’t a massive problem. The schooling behavior of the Cherry Barb means that the Rosy Barb should leave them well enough alone. We recommend a minimum of 6-8 Cherry Barbs, just to ensure that the Rosy Barb doesn’t bully them. As long as the Cherry Barb can school, then they’ll make fantastic Rosy Barb tank mates.
Because the Cherry Barb is a considerably smaller fish than the Rosy Barb, they aren’t going to consume anywhere near enough food. They are fine picking up the discarded bits and pieces, and the Rosy Barb won’t really bother them too much about that.
In addition to this, the Cherry Barb loves dense vegetation, just like the Rosy Barb does. So, they are perfect for owners that really want to kit their aquarium out with some beautiful live plants.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Won’t compete for food
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- May get chased by Rosy if the tank is too small
6. Zebra Danios
- Scientific Name: Danio rerio
- Adult Size: 1.5″ (6cm)
- Compatible with: Catfish, guppies, platys, mollies, swordtails
- Care Level: Easy
- Origin: South Asia (possibly India and Bangladesh, but then spread throughout the continent)
The Zebra Danio is perfect for pairing up with the Rosy Barb. While they have the same diet, the small size of the Zebra Danio means that the Rosy Barb is unlikely to be annoyed at the food competition. The Zebra Danios will barely eat anything.
Zebra Danios are also great schooling fish (opt for a minimum of 8-10 Zebras in your tank). It is incredibly unlikely that the Rosy Barb will chase them. If they do, the Zebra Danio is more than happy to hide out in the vegetation, which as you know by now is also loved by the Rosy Barb.
That being said, the Zebra Danio may nip at the fins of the Rosy Barb every so often. It is rare if the Rosy Barbs are schooling, but still, keep an eye out for it. We probably wouldn’t pair anything much bigger than the Rosy Barb with the Zebra.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Won’t compete for food
- Won’t get chased by the Rosy Barb
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- May nip at the fins of the Rosy Barb
7. Black Ghost Knife Fish
- Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
- Adult Size: 20″ (50cm)
- Compatible with: Rope Fish, Corys, Bichir
- Care Level: Hard
- Origin: South America
Beginner fish keepers look away. The Black Ghost Knife Fish is not for you. This fish is incredibly difficult to raise. You need to get the conditions of the tank almost perfect. However, they pair well with the Rosy Barb.
The Black Ghost Knife Fish is an absolutely stunning fish. Growing to a whopping 20″ in size, they are suitable for only the largest of tanks. A minimum of 100 gallons is a must, but the more the better.
The Black Ghost Knife Fish spends almost all its time weaving around the bottom of the tank. Here, it will pick up any live or fresh food that you drop into the tank. It’ll eat pellets, but when fed fresh food (preferably live), they’ll live longer.
As long as the tank is a decent size, then the Black Ghost Knife Fish and the Rosy Barb should never really interact. Although, do bear in mind that unless tank conditions are perfect, this fish can have a rather nasty streak. Hence why this fish isn’t great for new fishkeepers.
We love the complementary colors of the Black Ghost Knife Fish and the Rosy Barb. We also love the fact that they both demand lots and lots of vegetation to swim in.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Won’t interact with your Rosy Barbs
- Rarely competes for the same food.
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Needs a very large tank
8. African Rope Fish (Reed Fish)
- Scientific Name: Erpetoichthys calabaricus
- Adult Size: 15″ (38cm)
- Compatible with: Angelfish, Kuhli Loaches, Honey Gourami
- Care Level: Medium to Easy
- Origin: West Africa
The African Rope Fish is a very unique pairing for the Rosy Barb. In fact, the hardiness of the African Rope Fish makes this a fine addition to pretty much any freshwater tank.
At first glance, the African Rope Fish doesn’t even look like a fish. It has a long, thin body that in captivity can grow to a rather lengthy 15″ (in the wild, it can hit 24″). It looks very similar to an eel. At the very minimum, you’ll need a 50-gallon (130L) tank for one of these, but even more space would be better.
Despite its large size, this is a very peaceful fish. Most of the time, it is bottom-dwelling. It is never going to approach the other fish. Every so often, it will swim to the surface. This is because it has lungs as well as gills. However, 90% of the time, it will be active at the bottom of the tank.
African Rope Fish are omnivores, although they prefer their diet to be packed with fresh meat. Your Rosy Barbs would probably be much happier with just the pellets that you are feeding them, so the two won’t be competing too much for food.
While the African Rope Fish does have fins, the Rosy Barb isn’t going to nip at them. The African Rope Fish is far too big, and the fins too small. Basically, these fish will co-exist peacefully. They will never bother one another.
9. Green Tiger Barb
- Scientific Name: Puntius tetrazona
- Adult Size: 3″ (8cm)
- Compatible with: Corys, Cherry Barb, Clown Loach
- Care Level: Easy
- Origin: Malay Peninsula
Barbs tend to pair well with one another, and the Green Tiger Barb and Rosy Barb are no exception to this rule. As long as the tank is a reasonable size (minimum of 30-40 gallons or 150L to 200L ), then you could have a school of Green Tiger Barb and a school of Rosy Barb happily co-existing with one another. Remember, you need a minimum of six fish for the Barbs to school.
They have roughly the same tank requirements, as well as food requirements. As long as you provide them with adequate food, they’ll rarely compete over it. Although, do bear in mind that the Green Tiger Barb is smaller. If there isn’t enough food, the Rosy Barb will bully it. So, you’ll need to keep an eye on that.
While both the Green Tiger Barb and the Rosy Barb can be aggressive at times, they rarely are toward one another. At the most, you may see the odd chase. You won’t see fin-nipping, or extreme bullying (unless space and resources are limited).
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- No aggression toward Rosy Barb
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Can be bullied by Rosy Barb if forced to compete for resources
10. Corydoras Catfish
- Scientific Name: Corydoras
- Adult Size: 2.75″ (7cm)
- Compatible with: Tetras, other Corys, Swordtails
- Care Level: Very Easy
- Origin: South America
Some of the best pairings for the Rosy Barb will be bottom-dwellers, preferably non-aggressive ones. As a bottom feeder, the Corydoras Catfish is more than happy to pick up any food that the Rosy Barb doesn’t feast upon. Although, you may want to add some extra food just for the Corydoras.
This isn’t really a big fish either, capping out at 3″ (7cm), although most adults grow to a shade under 2.75″ (6cm) in the aquarium. This means that you don’t need a massive tank to have them co-existing with the Rosy Barb. In fact, the 30-gallon (100L) tank should be enough for 6 Rosy Barbs and a few Corydoras Catfish. This is because they inhabit completely different levels of the tank.
Because the Corydoras Catfish is small compared to the Rosy Barbs, you rarely will need to worry about fin-nipping either. You may have Rosy Barbs nipping the fins of larger catfish, but they tend to leave the Corydoras well alone.
Pros of keeping with Rosy Barb
- Rosy Barb don’t nip their fins
- Won’t compete for food
Cons of keeping with Rosy Barb
- None!
Exploring More Rosy Barb Tank Mate Options
While the previously mentioned species harmonize well with rosy barbs, the aquatic world offers a plethora of choices for tank mates. Here are some additional species worth considering to accompany your neon rosy barbs:
Black Skirt Tetra
This species strikes a perfect balance with the slightly assertive nature of the rosy barb. The Black Skirt Tetra, known for its serene demeanor and striking appearance, makes an excellent companion.
They are sociable and adapt well to a variety of dietary preferences, being omnivorous. Their hardiness and ability to thrive in diverse water conditions make them a resilient choice. Generally, they grow to about 3 inches, fitting comfortably in a shared space with rosy barbs.
Asian Coolie Loach
Resembling miniature eels, Asian Coolie Loaches bring an extraordinary dynamic to the tank. Their peaceful nature and preference for the tank’s bottom layer make them unlikely to compete with the rosy barbs.
Adaptable and omnivorous, they are a joy to care for, thriving on a varied diet. Reaching up to 4 inches in adulthood, they comfortably coexist without overcrowding the tank.
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)
Bolivian Rams are as congenial as they are peaceful, making them suitable tank mates for rosy barbs. These omnivores have a penchant for pellets and quality flakes.
At around 3 inches in size at maturity, they won’t impose on your rosy barbs’ territory. Regular tank maintenance is essential to keep them in good health.
Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish
If vibrancy is what you seek, the Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish is a splendid choice. Known for their calm and sociable nature, they coexist well with rosy barbs.
These fish can grow to about 3 inches or more, aligning well with the rosy barb’s size. While they are omnivores, a diet tailored to their nutritional needs is recommended. Maintaining their habitat requires attention to cleanliness and water quality.
FAQs on Rosy Barb Tank Mates
Can Rosy Barbs live with Neon Rosy Barb Tank Mates?
Absolutely! Rosy barbs generally get along well with other peaceful fish, making them compatible with neon rosy barb tank mates.
What fish can live with Rosy Barbs without conflict?
Fish that are peaceful, of similar size, and don’t have long fins are ideal companions for Rosy Barbs, like Black Skirt Tetras and Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish.
Are Rosy Barbs compatible with active or passive fish?
Rosy Barbs are versatile and can coexist with both active and passive fish, as long as there’s no competition for food or territory.
Final Thoughts
While the Rosy Barb can be an aggressive fish if its tank conditions are less than ideal, it isn’t too tricky to find Rosy Barb tank mates. In fact, most Barbs will pair up with them nicely. Perhaps the best pairings will be something from the Cichlid family.
When put together, the Rosy Barb can often lead to the Cichlids being much more active. Although, any one of the ten fish we have mentioned on this page would make a tremendous pairing.
FAQs
What is the best tank mate for a Rosy Barb?
Both Neon Tetras and the African Peacock Cichlid would make an amazing pairing for the Rosy Barb.
How much space do Rosy Barbs need in a tank?
A minimum of 30 gallons (100L) is ideal for 6 Rosy Barbs. Add a few gallons for every couple of Rosy Barbs you introduce to the mix. These fish love to swim around.
Can you pair catfish with Rosy Barbs?
Smaller catfish, yes. You will often find the Rosy Barb nips the fins of larger catfish. We recommend the Corydoras Catfish.
You will also like these other top posts in this category:
Veteran fish keeper and keen hobbyist with a serious case of MTS. My midlife crisis was the establishment of a fish room, much to my wife’s horror. Little does she know it could be worse!!