Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cherry Barb
BeginnerPuntius titteya
A small cyprinid where males turn vivid cherry red. Also valued for controlling pest snails.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
22〜28℃
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
3-5cm
Diet
Artificial feed, Frozen food
About
The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is a small cyprinid endemic to the rivers, streams, and shaded pools of Sri Lanka. Growing to 3–5 cm, males transform into a spectacular deep cherry-red at full coloration, especially during breeding; females retain a more subdued brownish-pink hue with a dark horizontal stripe. Among the most peaceable of all barb species, cherry barbs are well-suited to community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. An added benefit is their tendency to consume snail eggs, providing gentle population control. Omnivorous and easy to feed, they accept quality granules, flake food, and frozen bloodworms. Breeding in soft, acidic water over fine-leaved plants is achievable for intermediate hobbyists. In the wild, cherry barbs are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and historical over-collection; most commercially available specimens are captive-bred.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Cherry Barb
The Cherry Barb lives 4-6 years.
Size of the Cherry Barb
The Cherry Barb grows to 3-5cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Cherry Barb
The ideal water temperature for the Cherry Barb is 23〜27℃.
They prefer a well-planted environment with subdued lighting, and adapt to slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) at 23–27°C.
Basic Info
Origin
Sri Lanka
Care Specifications
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 5–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 23–27℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Cherry Barb Listings
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