Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
73-81°F (23-27°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Cherry Barb
The cherry barb is a small, brightly colored freshwater fish endemic to the shaded streams and rivers of Sri Lanka's wet zone rainforests. Males develop an intense cherry-red coloration during breeding season, while females remain a more subdued pinkish-brown with a distinctive dark lateral stripe. In the wild, cherry barbs are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and collection for the aquarium trade, though virtually all specimens sold today are captive-bred. Unlike some other barb species, cherry barbs are genuinely peaceful and make excellent community tank residents. They are active foragers that spend their time picking at plants and substrate for small invertebrates and algae.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-81°F (23-27°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.0
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep cherry barbs in groups of at least six, with a mix of males and females for the best color displays. Males will intensify their red coloring when competing for female attention. Provide a well-planted tank with areas of shade, as they naturally inhabit forest streams. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 73-81°F. Feed high-quality flakes and small pellets supplemented with frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. Cherry barbs are generally hardy and disease-resistant, making them an excellent choice for planted community tanks. They will eat some soft algae and can help control minor algae issues.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Cherry Barb
Related Species You Might Like
Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Denison Barb
Sahyadria denisonii
Tank Mates for Cherry Barb
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
easy · 15+ gal
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
easy · 30+ gal
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
moderate · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Cherry Barb need?
A Cherry Barb needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Cherry Barb need?
Cherry Barb thrive in water between 73-81°F (23-27°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Are Cherry Barb easy to care for?
Cherry Barb are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Cherry Barb get and what do they eat?
Cherry Barb reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Keep cherry barbs in groups of at least six, with a mix of males and females for the best color displays. Males will intensify their red coloring when competing for female attention. Provide a well-planted tank with areas of shade, as they naturally inhabit forest streams. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 73-81°F. Feed high-quality flakes and small pellets supplemented with frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. Cherry barbs are generally hardy and disease-resistant, making them an excellent choice for planted community tanks. They will eat some soft algae and can help control minor algae issues.