Cherry Barb

The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a peaceful, brightly colored schooling fish that brings lively motion and warm red tones to freshwater community aquariums. Males display vibrant cherry-red coloration—especially when kept in groups—while females show softer copper hues. Hardy, active, and beginner-friendly, Cherry Barbs thrive in planted tanks and make an excellent choice for hobbyists seeking a small, colorful community fish.

🧪 Care Sheet – Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

Temperament

• Peaceful and active

• Best kept in schools of 6+ to reduce stress and enhance color

Adult Size

• 2 inches

Minimum Tank Size

• 20 gallons for a small group

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–80°F

• pH: 6.0–7.8

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20–40 ppm

Diet

• Omnivore

• Feed a variety of:

  • High-quality flakes or micro-pellets

  • Frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)

  • Occasional spirulina or veggie-based foods

Behavior & Compatibility

• Excellent community fish

• Ideal tankmates include:

  • Tetras

  • Rasboras

  • Corydoras

  • Gouramis

  • Livebearers

  • Peaceful dwarf cichlids

• Avoid:

  • Large or aggressive fish

  • Fin-nippers

Aquarium Setup

• Planted aquarium recommended

• Dim lighting or floating plants enhance color

• Open swimming space with areas of cover

• Gentle to moderate flow

Care Level

• Easy

• A great starter fish for community tanks

Lifespan

• 4–6 years with good care

Special Notes

• Males intensify their red coloration when kept in groups and fed high-quality foods

• Very peaceful—great alternative to more boisterous barb species

• Will spawn readily in planted tanks