Cherry Barb
Also known as: Puntius titteya
The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Sri Lanka. The Cherry Barb originates from Sri Lanka, reaches Adult size: 5 cm in captivity, typically lives 4-6 years, and is kept at 22-26°C (72-79°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Lifespan: 4-6 years.
- Adult size: Adult size: 5 cm (2 inches).
- Temperament: Peaceful and active schooling fish.
- Minimum tank: Minimum 60 liters (16 gallons).
- Water temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F).
- pH range: 6.0-7.5.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Sri Lanka
- Adult size
- Adult size: 5 cm (2 inches)
- Life span
- 4-6 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful and active schooling fish
- Tank size
- Minimum 60 liters (16 gallons)
- Water temp
- 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH range
- 6.0-7.5
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Other names
- Puntius titteya
About the Cherry Barb
The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Sri Lanka. Males display striking cherry-red coloration, especially during breeding, while females are more subdued with golden-brown hues. They are active swimmers that thrive in well-planted tanks with open swimming areas. Cherry Barbs are peaceful and best kept in groups of six or more to encourage natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.
Lifespan and health
Cherry Barbs typically live 4-6 years in captivity under optimal conditions, with some individuals reaching up to 7 years when provided with pristine water quality, a balanced diet, and low stress levels. Longevity is strongly influenced by consistent water maintenance—ammonia and nitrite must remain at 0 ppm, nitrate below 20 ppm, and stable pH and temperature prevent chronic stress that shortens lifespan. Regular observation for signs of illness, such as clamped fins, loss of color, or lethargy, allows early intervention before conditions worsen. Common health issues include Ich (white spot disease), often triggered by sudden temperature drops or poor water quality, treatable with gradual temperature increase to 28°C (82°F) and appropriate medication; fin rot, usually from bacterial infection due to poor water conditions, requires improved hygiene and antibacterial treatment; and internal parasites, indicated by weight loss despite normal feeding, which may require antiparasitic medication like metronidazole. Preventive care includes quarantining new fish for 2-4 weeks, avoiding overfeeding, and maintaining a well-planted, biologically stable environment to support immune function.
Overview
The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Sri Lanka. Males display striking cherry-red coloration, especially during breeding, while females are more subdued with golden-brown hues. They are active swimmers that thrive in well-planted tanks with open swimming areas. Cherry Barbs are peaceful and best kept in groups of six or more to encourage natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a minimum of 60 liters (16 gallons) for a group of six Cherry Barbs, with fine gravel or sand substrate and dense planting using species like Java fern, Anubias, or Vallisneria to provide cover and mimic their natural stream habitat. Include driftwood and leaf litter to soften water and add tannins, and ensure moderate water flow with a gentle filter to avoid strong currents. Maintain stable water parameters with weekly 25% water changes, keeping temperature between 22-26°C (72-79°F) and pH between 6.0-7.5; use a reliable heater and test kit to monitor conditions. Feed a varied diet twice daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes—combine high-quality omnivore flakes or micro pellets with 2-3 weekly feedings of live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance coloration and health. Ideal tankmates include other peaceful, similarly sized species such as Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and Otocinclus; avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs or large cichlids, and never keep them with predators that could view them as prey.
Sources
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Cherry Barb, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.