🍒 Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

The Cherry Barb is a peaceful, hardy barb that's perfect for community tanks. Unlike many barb species, cherry barbs are not fin nippers and get along well with most tankmates. Males develop a stunning deep red color, especially during breeding, making them one of the most attractive small fish available.

📋 Quick Facts

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Keep in groups - Minimum 6, prefer more
• Can be shy - Need plants and hiding spots
• Males compete for females - Keep more females than males
• Endangered in wild - All aquarium fish are captive bred

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 20 gallons for a school of 6+
• Plants: Heavily planted preferred
• Substrate: Dark substrate brings out colors
• Open swimming: Balance plants with open areas

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Omnivores that accept most foods readily.

• High-quality flakes - Staple
• Micro pellets
• Frozen bloodworms - Enhances color
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Live foods - Occasional treat

Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts.

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Peaceful gouramis
• Danios
• Livebearers
• Shrimp (generally safe)

Avoid

• Large predatory fish
• Aggressive cichlids
• Very slow fish - May outcompete for food

♂️♀️ Sexing

• Males: Bright cherry red, slimmer body
• Females: More brownish-red, rounder body
• Ratio: Keep 2 females per male ideal

💡 Tips for Success

• Keep in groups of 6 or more
• Provide plenty of plants
• Use dark substrate to enhance colors
• Keep more females than males
• Good diet brings out best red coloration

📚 Summary

Cherry Barbs are the perfect barb for community tanks - peaceful, hardy, and stunningly colored. Their bright red coloration and easy care make them ideal for beginners. Keep them in schools with plenty of plants, and males will display vibrant colors that rival any tropical fish.