Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

Cherry barbs are a fun addition to any aquarium because they liven up the space with their brilliant colors and lively antics. The vivid red colors of these little freshwater fish can liven up even the most drab aquarium. Because of their hardiness and low maintenance needs, cherry barbs are ideal for novice and experienced fish keepers alike.

Cherry Barbs are native to Sri Lanka and do best in a peaceful, well-planted aquarium. They are gregarious and sociable animals that thrive in colonies, which makes them an engaging option for community tanks. They are more popular in mixed-species aquariums because of their calm disposition, which guarantees that they get along with other peaceful fish.

Cherry Barbs are renowned for being incredibly easy to care for. They can tolerate a variety of water conditions, though they would rather be in slightly acidic water than in neutral water. Cherry Barbs are a rewarding fish to keep because they can live long, healthy lives with proper care for their habitat and diet.

Cherry Barbs are a great option if you want to add some color or if you just want a pretty, low-maintenance fish. They are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts because of their attractive appearance and interesting behavior, which will liven up any aquarium setup.

Aspect Details
Common Name Cherry Barb
Scientific Name Puntius titteya
Size Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Tank Size Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
Water Temperature 72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH Level 6.0-7.5
Hardness Soft to moderately hard
Behavior Peaceful and active
Diet Omnivorous, enjoys flakes and live or frozen foods
Tank Mates Other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and small catfish
Breeding Egg scatterer, requires dense planting for spawning
Appearance Bright red with a dark stripe along the side
Special Notes Best kept in groups to feel secure

Aquarium enthusiasts love the Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) for its eye-catching color and laid-back disposition. This little, resilient fish is a great addition for novice and expert fish keepers alike. It adds a pop of red to any tank and grows well in a variety of water types. The Cherry Barb adds to the aesthetic appeal of an aquarium and fosters a peaceful aquatic environment with its easy care requirements and peaceful temperament.

Habitat and habitat

Sri Lanka, the homeland of Southeast Asia.

The region known as the "wet zone" in southwest Sri Lanka receives 2000–3000 mm of rain per year, the majority of which falls between March and August during the southwest monsoon.

There are no notable dry spells or climatic variations in this tropical environment, and the average annual air temperature stays between 25 and 27° C.

Lowland tropical forests can flourish under these circumstances below 1000 meters above sea level.

Due to their humid, warm climate, extended geographic isolation, and remarkable localized biodiversity, these forests, which are unique to Sri Lanka, are home to a sizable portion of the nation’s endemic flora and fauna.

Among these is the Kottawa Reserve Forest, which is a mere 15-20 hectares of moist evergreen jungle spread over the approximate 1600 hectares of the Kottawa-Kombala forests.

The reserve is crossed by a network of tiny, undisturbed streams that have clear or slightly colored water. These streams offer P. titteya typical habitats across their range.

Because of the thick vegetation’s ability to block out even weak sunlight, the aquatic habitat is constantly shaded, the water can be relatively cool, the EC and hardness are typically low, and the pH is slightly acidic.

Although mostly sandy, there is a layer of twigs and fallen leaves covering the bottom.

Although it is currently forbidden to export wild specimens from Sri Lanka, trapping appears to be ongoing. The data that is currently available indicates that the brightest colored fish are becoming increasingly scarce, and it is possible that the selective capture of fish for the aquarium trade has altered the composition of wild populations.

Description

A fish that is only about 5 cm long. The back profile of the body is curved, and it is elongated. The fish is greenish-brown on the back and raspberry-red or yellowish on the sides.

The cherry barb has a dark stripe running the length of its body, matching the color of its back. This fish can also have fins that range in color from bright red to translucent yellow. There is a striking red stripe on the upper portion of the iris. There are two short antennae that point downward near the mouth’s lower jaw.

Albinos, bright red, and veil are some of the more eye-catching selective forms that have recently been seen in aquariums.These forms look amazing in aquariums. The conditions under which the fish is housed have a significant impact on its color.

Behavior and compatibility

A serene, gregarious, and somewhat shy aquarium fish. Men compete with one another all the time without hurting one another. After losing a skirmish, the male assumes the female’s coloring.

It is best to keep these fish in a common aquarium with peaceful fish that aren’t too big, or in a species-specific tank with a group of seven or more individuals (mostly females). Remains in the lower and middle layers of the water in areas with shade.

Aquarium

A 20-liter closed aquarium with dark soil and muted overhead lighting for two fish. There should be plenty of room for swimming, a variety of hiding places such as stones and snags, and dense vegetation throughout the aquarium.

Optimal conditions:

In aquariums with water that is between 22 and 27˚C, pH 6.5 to 7.5, and hardness dH 10–18˚. Aquariums need to be filtered and aerated, and once a week, 20% of the water should be replaced.

Feeding

The cherry barb eats anything. It is essential to have "fasting days" at least once a week when the fish are not fed because the barb is prone to gluttony, which causes the fish to become obese. It is required to periodically add special food to the fish’s diet in order to improve its color.

Sexual Dimorphism

Cherry barbs mature sexually between the ages of 6 and 8 months.

Since females are more subdued in color and slightly larger than males, it is not very difficult to distinguish them from one another.

The abdomen of male cherry barbs is bright reddish, whereas the abdomen of females is a paler flint-yellow color. In addition, the dorsal fin of females is reddish in color and features two black stripes that are arranged in an arch, making them fuller than males.

The Cherry Barb, also known as Puntius titteya, is an excellent option for any aquarium enthusiast wishing to give their tank a pop of color and vibrancy. These fish can easily become the center of attention in your aquatic setup thanks to their vivid red colors and lively behavior. They are a wonderful addition to community tanks because of their peaceful disposition and small size, especially when housed with other small, non-aggressive species.

Cherry barbs are ideal for both novice and expert fish keepers because they are not only gorgeous but also quite resilient. Their adaptability to different water conditions adds to their appeal, and they thrive in well-planted tanks with a stable environment. Their natural colors will be enhanced by regular water changes and a balanced diet that will keep them healthy and lively.

Cherry Barbs will thrive if you feed them a variety of foods and create an environment in your tank that is similar to their natural habitat. Since they like swimming in schools, it’s best to keep them stress-free and in groups of at least six to observe their genuine social behavior. You can guarantee that these adorable fish will be a delightful addition to your aquarium for many years to come by taking care of their basic needs.

Video on the topic

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Ivan Kononov

Experienced aquarist with an emphasis on breeding and keeping exotic aquarium fish. Author of many articles and books on the topic of aquarium keeping. Always in search of new species and interesting solutions for home aquariums. I believe that an aquarium is not only a home decoration, but also a means of studying nature and its laws.

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