Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a hardy, slender barb that is very popular with tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

The Cherry Barb is much more slender than most other barbs. It has a silver/black body with a golden, horizontal stripe after the lateral line. The male fish turns a bright cherry red during spawning, hence it’s name.

Cherry barbs are found in the tropical shallow, slow moving, well shaded streams of Sri Lanka from Kelani to the Nilwala basin.  In it’s natural habitat, it thrives in areas where there is a silt substrate with plenty of leaf debris

Cherry Barbs prefer a well planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) water. They need plenty of space for swimming but benefit from having driftwood and rocks added to the tank.

In their natural environment Cherry Barbs live in slow flowing streams but in an aquarium setting, provide them with good filtration and a strong current

Cherry Barbs are a shy, timid fish that should be kept with other fish having the same temperament. Providing them with some sturdy plants that grow to the waters surface will give your fish a sense of security, some places to hide and something to nibble on.  (See Video Above)

Java Moss is a good choice if you plan to breed your barbs.  The moss provides the female with a place to lay her eggs and gives the fry a place to hide and increases their chances of survival.

Good filtration and a quite a strong current are recommended. Cherry barbs live in slow flowing waters in the wild.

When breeding Cherry Barbs, place several of them in an aquarium until they pair off.  When a pair comes together, the female will lay the eggs with the male following closely behind her fertilizing them.

In about five days the fry will be free swimming.  Feed them newly hatched brine shrimp until they grow large enough to eat crushed flake foods.

Cherry Barbs should be fed a variety of foods including vegetables and meaty foods.

A good quality flake food along with occasional feedings of live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and frozen foods will keep them healthy in your aquarium.  Cherry barbs also enjoy eating algae.

The average life span for Cherry Barbs is 4 years, but they can live to over 7 years in a well maintained aquarium.

Cherry Barb

Cherry Barb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 73-80.5° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-8.0
Max. Size: 2″
Color: Black, Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility:
Origin: Sri Lanka
Family: Cyprinidae
Lifespan: 4 to 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

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