All fish / Cyprinidae

Cherry Barb

Puntius titteya

Also known as cherry barb, cherry red barb, barbus titteya, capoeta titteya, red cherry barb, ปลาเชอร์รี่บาร์บ, ikan barb ceri, チェリーバルブ, 樱桃灯, 櫻桃燈

A small, slim barb with a dark line running along its side; males turn a deep cherry red, especially when showing off, while females are brownish. It is hardy, calm and does well in planted community tanks, which makes it a favourite with beginners.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and micro pellets, bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Sri Lanka (Kelani and Nilwala river basins)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that lays adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or moss, and the parents will eat them. It is easy to spawn in a separate tank with dense plants, and the fry can be raised on infusoria and then baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

Listed as Vulnerable in the wild, but almost all fish sold are bred in captivity. Keep it in a dimly lit, well planted tank, as it can be shy in bare setups.