Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya) are a unique little freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family. One of the more popular species of barbs, these timid yet hardy fish are great for beginners setting up their first planted tank.
They don’t school as tightly as other barbs, but still require decent sized schools to be confident and healthy. A dark, heavily-planted tank with plenty of shaded areas hidden from the light is paradise to the Cherry. These guys are not too fond of barren tanks.
At a Glance
Adult Size: 5cm
Average Lifespan: 4 years
Minimum Tank Size: 75L
Minimum School Size: 6-8
pH: 6.0-7.0
Diet: Omnivore
Water Temperature: 22-26°C
Origins
Cherry Barbs are native to Sri Lanka. They are typically found in streams and small rivers that have slow-moving current. With a dense canopy of vegetation above the water, there is not much light penetration where these fish reside. A soft, silty bottom with leaf litter and plenty of plants and driftwood provide the shy barbs with adequate cover. All of these natural protections make the wild Cherry Barb more colourful than those in captivity.
Colour and Appearance
As you may have assumed from the name, the cherry barb has a distinct red colouration that is unique to the species. However, females are not as red as the males. In fact, they are more of an orange colour. Both genders have one lateral black line that runs from the tip of the mouth to tip of the tail.
Cherry Barbs have a different body shape than that of most other barbs like the Tiger, Rosy, and Banded Barbs. Cherries have a more streamlined and skinny body whereas the species listed above have a thicker and taller midsection.
Maxing out at a size of 5cm, the adult cherry barb is smaller than a lot of other barbs. The Tinfoil Barb can reach a size of over 25cm! Most other barbs range between 5-15cm. The average lifespan of the cherry barb is 4 years. Though in the wild and in well-run tanks, they have been known to reach the ripe old age of 7!
Behavior and Tank mates
Cherry Barbs are a notably shy and timid fish. Their schooling instincts are not as strong as other barbs, so it is not unusual to see them spread out and separated from the rest of the group. However shy, they are very peaceful and do well with other nervous, non-invasive species.
A Cherry Barb would not be a good addition to any high-activity level aquarium as it will be uncomfortable and spend most of the time hiding. While most barbs, and tetras, are considered “fin nippers” Cherries rarely harass other fish.
The most appropriate tank mates for the Cherry Barb would be bottom dwellers, as most are peaceful and stay out of the way. Species like Corydoras, Black and Kuhli loaches, Plecostomus, and Asian Stone Cats are all good additions.
Although non-aggressive to other middle-dwelling fish, it is best for them to be the only schooling, mid-level fish in the aquarium. Too many other, active fish can stress the wary Cherry and force them into hiding. Stress can also dull their colors, and nobody wants that!
Invertebrates like shrimp and snails are also good tank mates, but be warned that baby shrimp may fall prey to the barbs.
Bad tank mates include any larger, more aggressive species. Highly active fish and fin nippers should also be avoided. Tetras, Guppies, Bettas, Angelfish, Cichlids, and larger gourami should be kept clear away from Cherries.
Tank Setup
Cherry Barbs do best in an aquarium that matches their natural habitat. Tons of live plants, driftwood, and leaf litter give them plenty of security to make them more confident. Even though they tend to stay in the top or middle range of the tank, a soft sand substrate is preferred but not entirely necessary.
The smallest recommended tank size for these fish is 75L. In the wild, the Cherry Barb can be found in large groups containing many individuals.
A good number of these guys for a 75L tank would be anywhere between 6-10. You can get away with a full dozen in an aquarium this size if there are no other fish in the tank.
Too heavy of a bioload can foul the water quality, and adversely affect your fish. Keep that in mind when stocking a community tank! Want a larger school? Get a larger tank! The more the merrier!
A strong filter is not needed as these fish prefer a slow current. Any filter rated for the size of the tank should be appropriate. If you notice your fish being pushed around by the current you may need to baffle your filter or purchase one that has an adjustable rate of flow.
The lighting should be low to moderate. Top floating and large-leaved plants can help obscure the light if need be. Being a tropical fish, the Cherry Barb prefer to be in warmer temperatures of 22-25°C. They also prefer soft and acidic water with a pH of around 6.0.
Water changes should be done at least once a week. Both the fish and the plants will benefit from it! If you’re changing your water once a week you should aim for a 30%-50% change, and if you’re changing your water twice a week you should aim for 20%. These regular tank cleanings will keep your parameters in check. Healthy parameters equal healthy fish!
Feeding
Being an omnivorous species, Cherry Barbs can eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they have been observed consuming crustaceans, algae, diatoms, detritus, and other small organisms. This can be replicated in the home aquarium by feeding live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Quality pelleted food and flakes are a great addition as well and add more balance to their diet. Tropical based pellets and flakes can be fed along with insect-based foods. Cherry Barbs have also been observed munching on food made for bottom feeders like algae and veggie wafers. These wafers provide the necessary plant-based foods that are essential to the Barb.