Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
In a community aquarium, Cherry Barbs, Puntius titteya are one of the most sought-after Barb species due to their peaceful nature, hardiness, and non-demanding characteristics. However, they can be timid sometimes and need a stable water environment and some hiding places.
A group of five or more Cherry Barbs is best for keeping this sociable species. Males generally try to segregate themselves in quiet territories during the lower levels of the aquarium, courting the females as they swim by. As with most fish, males will show their most substantial colouration when trying to impress their rivals and attract the females.
In order to ensure a peaceful environment for Cherry Barbs, it is recommended that you keep them with other mild fish of the same size. For example, Tetras, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Catfish, and Plecos would all make good tankmates. These Barbs may, however, be considered food by larger fish.
Cherry Barbs have beautiful brownish-red colouring, a dark horizontal stripe along their bodies, and yellowish to red fins. Furthermore, they have a completely different body shape than other Barb species; their midsection is thicker and taller than those of other Barb species.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya |
| Year Described | 1929 |
| Other Names | Red Barb |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Puntius |
| Origins | Sri Lanka |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 7.2 - 7.5 |
| GH | 8 - 16 |
| KH | 4 - 7 |
| TDS | 180 - 250 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 70 - 80℉ 21.1 - 26.7℃ | |
Natural Habitat
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Cherry Barb will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
5 interesting tank mate ideas for the Cherry Barb could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
Female Cherry Barbs tend to have fuller bodies than males, which are generally more slender. A male is also significantly bigger than a female, and its colour is much more vibrant, as opposed to a female's dull orange.