Barb-Cherry

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Small, elongated, and slightly compressed with a streamlined shape.
  • Color: Males are renowned for their vibrant red or cherry-colored bodies, which become even more intense during breeding periods. Females are generally less colorful, with a more subdued reddish-brown or gold coloration.
  • Fins: The fins are typically clear or lightly colored, with some subtle red or orange hues.
  • Size: Typically reaches 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6.5 cm) in length.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Active and social, often seen swimming in schools and exploring the tank.
  • Social Structure: Prefers to be kept in groups of 6 or more to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small group; larger tanks are preferable for a larger group or more stable conditions.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH: 6.0-7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Good filtration is important to maintain water quality, but avoid strong currents that might stress the fish.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft substrate such as sand or fine gravel is ideal.
  • Aquascaping: Provide plenty of swimming space with a well-planted tank. Use plants, driftwood, and rocks to create hiding spots and visual barriers.
  • Cover: Ensure the tank is covered with a lid to prevent fish from jumping out.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Generally peaceful and can be kept with other small, peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive or overly large fish that might intimidate them.
  • Social Behavior: Prefers to be in schools and exhibits best behavior when kept in groups of 6 or more. Solitary fish may become stressed or less active.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and cleanliness.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like spots or lesions.
  • Treatment: Ensure optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise.