Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

The Cherry Barb is a beautiful, peaceful and hardy freshwater fish that makes a fantastic addition to community and planted aquariums. Known for their brilliant red colouration, active personality and manageable size, Cherry Barbs are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.

Unlike some of their larger Barb relatives, Cherry Barbs are peaceful community fish and generally don't have the fin-nipping reputation associated with species such as Tiger Barbs.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Puntius titteya

• Common Name: Cherry Barb

• Origin: Sri Lanka

• Adult Size: Approximately 4–5cm

• Diet: Omnivore

• Temperature: 22–27°C

• pH: 6.0–8.0

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Minimum Group Size: 6+

• Tank Level: Mid-Water

• Sex: Unsexed

Overview

Cherry Barbs are social fish that look their best when kept in a group of at least 6, although larger groups are even more impressive.

Males typically develop a stunning deep cherry-red colour, particularly when mature and displaying to females. Females tend to have a more subtle golden-brown colouration with a darker horizontal stripe and red highlights.

When comfortable and kept in good conditions, Cherry Barbs are active and confident fish that provide plenty of movement without being overly boisterous.

Behaviour & Compatibility

Cherry Barbs are peaceful and social, making them suitable for a wide variety of community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates can include:

• Small Tetras

• Rasboras

• Corydoras

• Small Gouramis

• Danios

• Peaceful Loaches

• Other small peaceful Barbs

• Peaceful Dwarf Cichlids

They can also be kept with adult dwarf shrimp, although very small shrimp and shrimplets may potentially be eaten. A heavily planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places will give shrimp and their young the best chance of thriving alongside them.

Aquarium Setup

Cherry Barbs look fantastic in a well-planted aquarium, where their red colouration contrasts beautifully against green plants.

Provide plenty of plants, driftwood and other areas of cover while leaving some open swimming space for the group.

Floating plants and darker areas can help them feel secure and encourage stronger natural colouration.

As with all aquarium fish, good filtration, regular water changes and stable water parameters are important for long-term health.

Feeding

Cherry Barbs are omnivores and are generally very easy to feed.

A varied diet can include:

• Quality flakes

• Small pellets or micro pellets

• Brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Bloodworms

• Other appropriately sized frozen or live foods

• Spirulina and vegetable-based foods

Providing a varied diet with both protein and plant-based foods will help promote excellent colour, growth and overall condition.

Why We Love Them

Cherry Barbs are one of those fish that can work in almost any peaceful community setup.

They're colourful, hardy, active and easy to care for, while remaining much more peaceful than many other Barb species.

A good-sized group of mature males and females can look incredible in a planted aquarium, with the males developing their characteristic deep cherry-red colouration.

For the best behaviour and display, keep them in a group of at least 6 — although a larger group is even better where space allows.

Product photos are for reference only. As these are live fish, exact size, colour and markings may vary between individuals.