Red Glass Barb (Pethia conchonius) – Tank-Bred

Species Overview The Red Glass Barb (Pethia conchonius) is a colorful, active freshwater barb prized for its translucent appearance and warm red to rosy coloration. Closely associated with the familiar Rosy Barb, this selectively bred aquarium form combines the energetic schooling behavior that makes barbs so enjoyable to watch with a distinctive lighter-bodied appearance that allows flashes of red, silver, and iridescence to stand out as the fish move through the aquarium. Mature males generally develop the strongest coloration, particularly when comfortable and displaying among other members of their group. Red Glass Barbs are social fish and should be maintained in a proper group rather than as solitary specimens. When given sufficient swimming room, plant cover, and the company of their own kind, the group creates constant movement throughout the middle levels of the aquarium. Their adaptability, enthusiastic feeding response, and compatibility with many appropriately chosen community fish make them an excellent option for aquarists looking for an active schooling species rather than a single centerpiece fish. Aquatic Arts offers Tank-Bred and USA-Bred Red Glass Barbs, depending on the selection purchased. Captive-bred Red Glass Barbs are accustomed to aquarium conditions and prepared foods, making them an excellent choice for established freshwater community aquariums. What We Love About This Fish Beautiful red glass coloration combines warm red tones with a lighter, partially translucent body that becomes especially striking as a group moves through a planted aquarium. True social behavior makes a properly sized group considerably more interesting to watch than a single fish, with schooling, displaying, and constant interaction between individuals. Tank-Bred and USA-Bred selections give customers the opportunity to choose captive-bred fish based on their preferred source. Active without requiring an enormous aquarium, making Red Glass Barbs an excellent way to add movement and color to a thoughtfully planned community setup. Hardy and adaptable aquarium fish that readily accept a varied diet and can be an approachable choice for aquarists ready to maintain an appropriate social group. Quick Care Guide Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius Common Name: Red Glass Barb Source: Tank-Bred or USA Bred (Varies by Selection) Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 Inches (2.5–3.8 cm) Average Adult Size: Approximately 4–6 Inches (10–15 cm), so considerably more swimming space is needed as these active barbs mature. Care Level: Easy to Moderate. Red Glass Barbs are hardy and adaptable but require clean water, open swimming space, and a proper social group. Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Peaceful. They generally make excellent community fish but may occasionally nip slow-moving or long-finned tank mates. Diet: Omnivore. A varied diet of quality prepared, frozen, live, and plant-based foods supports healthy growth and strong coloration. Schooling: Yes. Red Glass Barbs should be kept in a group so they can display natural social behavior and distribute chasing among the school. Activity Level: Active. These energetic barbs need plenty of open horizontal swimming space. Aquarium Level: Midwater. Red Glass Barbs spend most of their time actively swimming through the middle of the aquarium. Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons. Their adult size, activity level, and schooling behavior require more room than their juvenile purchase size suggests. Lifespan: Approximately 5–7 Years with proper care. Aquatic Arts Tip Plan the aquarium around the adult school, not the size of the juveniles you receive. Give Red Glass Barbs plenty of open swimming room surrounded by planted areas where the group can retreat and feel secure. Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements Red Glass Barbs are adaptable fish, but they thrive when given stable water conditions, good filtration, and plenty of swimming room for their active school. Water Parameters Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C). Red Glass Barbs prefer cooler conditions than many tropical community fish. pH: 6.5–7.5. Red Glass Barbs thrive in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water, with stability being more important than targeting an exact number. General Hardness (GH): 4–18 dGH. Soft to moderately hard water is generally well tolerated. Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2–12 dKH. Stable buffering helps prevent sudden changes in pH. Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Below 20 ppm preferred. Aquarium Requirements Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons. Their adult size and active schooling behavior require plenty of horizontal swimming room. Filtration: Moderate to Strong. Good filtration helps maintain the clean, oxygen-rich water these active fish prefer. Water Flow: Moderate. Red Glass Barbs appreciate water movement but should also have calmer areas for resting. Oxygenation: Moderate to High. Good surface agitation supports the active metabolism of the school. Aquarium Maturity: Fully cycled and established. Stable biological filtration reduces the risk of sudden water-quality problems. Aquatic Plants: Recommended. Planting around the sides and back provides security while preserving an open central swimming area. Lighting: Low to Moderate. Moderate lighting works well, especially when balanced with live plants and shaded areas. Aquatic Arts Tip Give Red Glass Barbs a combination of open swimming space and planted cover rather than filling the entire aquarium with décor. This gives the school room to move while still providing secure areas where fish can retreat when needed.