🍒 Cherry Barb Care Guide (Puntius titteya)
🌟 Overview The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a peaceful, colorful schooling fish native to Sri Lanka. Males develop a striking red coloration (especially during breeding), while females are lighter with a subtle golden tone. Hardy, active, and easy to care for, Cherry Barbs are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add color and activity to community aquariums.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
- Common Name: Cherry Barb
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.5–5 cm)
- Lifespan: 5–7 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling
- Care Level: Easy
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for a proper school)
- Water Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 5–15 dGH
- Aquascape: Heavily planted tank with open swimming space
- School Size: Keep in groups of 6 or more (more is better)
🍽️ Diet
Cherry Barbs are omnivores and enjoy a variety of foods:
- High-quality flakes & micro-pellets
- Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
- Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, peas)
- A varied diet enhances their natural red coloration
🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates
- Great with other peaceful community fish: tetras, rasboras, danios, guppies, corydoras
- Compatible with shrimp and snails (though small shrimp fry may be eaten)
- Avoid large or aggressive species that may outcompete them
🧠 Behavior & Tips
- Males are brighter red; females are lighter and rounder-bodied
- Display most vibrant colors in planted aquariums with darker substrates
- Peaceful but active — perfect for community tanks
- Best kept in schools for natural behavior and reduced stress
❓ FAQ
Q: How many Cherry Barbs should be kept together?
A: At least 6, though larger groups of 10+ bring out their best schooling behavior.
Q: Do Cherry Barbs nip fins?
A: They are generally peaceful and not known for fin-nipping, unlike some other barbs.
Q: Can Cherry Barbs live in planted aquariums?
A: Yes, they thrive in planted setups where their colors look especially vivid.
Q: How long do Cherry Barbs live?
A: Typically 5–7 years with proper care.
