Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: rosy barb

Synonyms and Other Names: Barbus conchonius (Hamilton, 1822), Puntius conchonius (Hamilton, 1822); red barb.

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics and key were given in Talwar and Jhingran (1992); Pethiyagoda et al. (2012) reassigned this species from Puntius to Pethia, and provided a key to genera related to Puntius. Color photographs appeared in Axelrod et al. (1985).

Size: 14 cm.

Native Range: Asia. Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh (Talwar and Jhingran 1992). Reported from Myanmar (Oo 2002).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Rosy barbs are omnivorous, consuming a wide and varied diet including eggs and fry of conspecifics and other species (Sterba 1966; Malhotra and Gupta 1990).

Means of Introduction: Probable escape or release from fish farm, or aquarium release.

Status: Failed in Florida and Louisiana; established in Puerto Rico.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This species is an important ornamental fish (Talwar and Jhingran 1992).

Voucher specimens exist for Puerto Rico (NCSM 45882, 45893; USNM 386191).

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H.R., W.E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J.G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Corfield, J., B. Diggles, C. Jubb, R.M. McDowall, A. Moore, A. Richards, and D.K. Rowe. 2008. Review of impacts of introduced ornamental fish species that have established wild populations in Australia. Prepared for the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., and D.A. Hensley. 1979. Survey of introduced non-native fishes. Phase I Report. Introduced exotic fishes in North America: status 1979. Report Submitted to National Fishery Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, FL.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., H.F. Sahlman, W.W. Miley II, and D.J. Herrema. 1974. Exotic fishes in fresh and brackish waters of Florida. Biological Conservation 6(4):292-302.

Erdsman, D.S. 1984. Exotic fishes in Puerto Rico. Pages 162-176 in Courtenay, W.R., Jr., and J.R. Stauffer, Jr, eds. Distribution, biology, and management of exotic fishes. John Hopkins University Press. Baltimore, MD.

Kwak, T.J., P.B. Cooney, and C.H. Brown. 2007. Fishery population and habitat assessment in Puerto Rico stream: phase 1 final report. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Project F-50 Final Report. Marine Resources Division, Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, San Juan.

Lee, D.S., S.P. Platania, and G.H. Burgess. 1983. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes - 1983 supplement. North Carolina Biological Survey and the North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC.

Malhotra, Y.R., and Gupta, A. (1990). Seasonal fluctuations in food and feeding of Puntius conchonius inhabiting Lake Mansar, Jammu. Journal of Freshwater Biology 2(2), 147-151.

Oo, W. 2002. Inland fisheries in the union of Myanmar. Pages 71-78 in Petr, T., and D.B. Swar, eds. Cold water fisheries in the Trans-Himalayan countries. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 431. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Rome, Italy.

Pethiyagoda, R., M. Meegaskumbura, and K. Maduwage. 2012. A synopsis of the South Asians fishes referred to Puntius (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 23(1):69-95.

Sterba, G. (1966). Freshwater fishes of the world. T.H.F Publications, Hong Kong.

Talwar, P.K., and A.G. Jhingran. 1991. Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries. AA Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Pethia conchonius

Author: Leo Nico, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 4/15/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.