Cherry barb - Puntius titteya

Scientific name: Puntius titteya

Common name: Cherry barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Sri Lanka

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is native to the slow-moving streams and rivers of Sri Lanka. These waters are often shaded by dense vegetation, resulting in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water. In the wild, they prefer habitats with a sandy substrate, leaf litter, and an abundance of aquatic plants, providing both cover and breeding sites.

Short Description

The Cherry Barb is a peaceful and hardy fish, popular among both beginners and experienced aquarists. With its vibrant red coloration, especially in males, it adds a lively splash of color to any community tank. These fish typically grow to 4-5 cm (1.57-1.97 inches) in captivity, making them well-suited for smaller to medium-sized aquariums. They are best kept in schools of at least six individuals, which helps bring out their natural behaviors and reduces stress.

General Care

Cherry Barbs are relatively easy to care for, but they thrive best in a well-planted aquarium that mimics their natural habitat. A tank size of at least 40 liters (10 gallons) is recommended for a small school, though larger tanks will allow for a more diverse community. The tank should be equipped with plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Amazon Swords to provide cover and breeding sites. Cherry Barbs prefer subdued lighting, so floating plants can also help diffuse light and make them feel more secure.

Maintain water conditions with a temperature range of 23-27°C (73.4-80.6°F) and a pH level between 6 and 7.5. The water hardness should be between 4-18°N (71.43-321.43 ppm). Good water quality is essential, so use a reliable filtration system and perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in check.

Compatible Tankmates

Cherry Barbs are peaceful and sociable, making them excellent additions to community tanks. They get along well with other small, non-aggressive species such as Harlequin Rasboras, Neon Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, and Zebra Danios. Avoid housing them with large or overly aggressive fish, as this can stress them and cause them to hide. Keeping them in groups of six or more helps to reduce stress and encourages their natural schooling behavior.

Feeding

Cherry Barbs are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods. They will readily consume live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae. In addition to protein-rich foods, they should also be provided with vegetable-based options like spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or high-quality flakes and granules formulated for tropical fish. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health. Feed them small portions twice a day to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Sexing

Sexing Cherry Barbs is relatively easy. Males display a vibrant red coloration, especially during the breeding season, while females are rounder with a more subdued, brownish-red color. The male's intense red hues make them more visually striking in a well-maintained aquarium.

Breeding

Cherry Barbs are egg-layers and relatively easy to breed in a well-planted tank. To encourage breeding, provide a tank with dense vegetation, such as Java Moss or Hornwort, where the fish can deposit their eggs. The water temperature should be slightly increased to around 27°C (80.6°F) to stimulate spawning. Males will display their brightest red colors to attract females.

During spawning, the female will scatter eggs among the plants, which will hatch in about two days. It's essential to provide hiding places for the fry, as Cherry Barbs may eat their own eggs and fry. The fry should be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp or liquid fry food until they are large enough to consume crushed flakes or micro-pellets.

Lifespan

Cherry Barbs have a lifespan of up to 5 years in captivity when provided with proper care, including stable water conditions, a varied diet, and a stress-free environment.

Conclusion

Cherry Barbs are an attractive and peaceful addition to community aquariums. With their vibrant colors, active schooling behavior, and easy care requirements, they make an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. By providing a well-planted environment, compatible tankmates, and a balanced diet, you can ensure your Cherry Barbs thrive and display their best colors.