Range and Identity
Puntius conchonius is the retained scientific string, while modern treatments use Pethia conchonius. Native records include Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh, with additional regional reports. Aquarium popularity and introduced populations should remain separate from the natural geographic distribution.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults inhabit lakes and fast-flowing hill streams. Their diet includes worms, crustaceans, insects and plant material. These varied records do not support describing the species as dependent on one food or as restricted to still aquarium-like water in nature.
Food and Life History
The upper reference is fourteen centimeters total length. Males develop stronger reddish coloration during reproduction, while females can be slightly larger. Captive descriptions of hardiness should not become a claim that all wild populations tolerate identical conditions or reproduce on one fixed schedule.
Field Note
Distinguish a captive strain from a wild locality record. Color and aquarium labels can describe appearance without establishing where a population originated.
All Lakes With Rosy Barb
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Rosy Barb records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.