Cherry Barb

Puntius titteya

Cherry Barb is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size
16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
70–79°F (21–26°C)
pH
7–7.5
GH
8–16 dGH
KH
4–6 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 6 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 7–7.5, GH 8–16 dGH, KH 4–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Cherry Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Cherry Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 5+.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Sri Lanka.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same genus Same family Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 64–72°F (18–22°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Cherry Barb get?

Cherry Barb reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Cherry Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Cherry Barb peaceful?

Yes. Cherry Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Cherry Barb?

Keep it between 21 to 26 °C.

Should Cherry Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Cherry Barb: Keep in a school of 5+.

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