The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a peaceful and colorful freshwater fish, popular in community aquariums for its bright red coloration in males and smaller, more subdued females. They are active and schooling fish that add vibrancy to any tank.
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The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a peaceful and colorful freshwater fish, popular in community aquariums for its bright red coloration in males and smaller, more subdued females. They are active and schooling fish that add vibrancy to any tank.
Small, slender body. Males turn bright red when mature, females are lighter with olive-brown hues. Adults reach up to 2 inches (5 cm). Fins are translucent with a slight red tint in males.
4–6 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Cherry Barbs are vibrant, peaceful, and lively schooling fish that enhance community aquariums. Maintaining proper schooling and water conditions ensures their health and displays their full color potential.
Easy — hardy and adaptable species suitable for beginners.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
5–12 dGH
74–79°F (23–26°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as danios, tetras, and other small barbs.
Avoid aggressive or very large fish that may bully or eat them.
Puntius titteya
Cyprinidae
Sri Lanka
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and occasional live/frozen foods to maintain coloration and health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not guard eggs and may consume them; separate breeding tank recommended.
Use a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–7.0, temperature 75–79°F / 24–26°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24 hours; fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days. Feed fry infusoria, transitioning to baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 74–79°F (23–26°C), Hardness: 5–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality is poor or kept in small groups.
Peaceful, social, and active; best kept in schools to enhance behavior and coloration.
Peaceful, social, and active. Prefers mid-level swimming areas. Enjoys planted aquariums with hiding spots and open swimming spaces.
Native to Sri Lanka, the Cherry Barb is admired for its bright red coloration and calm temperament. Males display intense red colors, especially during breeding, while females are lighter and more subdued. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. Cherry Barbs thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming areas and moderate water flow. They are hardy and ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists.