Overview
- The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, peaceful barb. Males turn deep cherry red.
- Endemic to the wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka.
- Grows to about 2 in (5 cm) standard length.
- An excellent beginner fish. Almost all fish sold are farm-bred.
Feeding
- Easy to feed. Offer quality flakes and granules, including some with plant or algae content.
- Regular small live and frozen foods, such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp, give the best color.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of at least 24 × 12 in (60 × 30 cm).
- Shows the best color in a heavily planted tank with a dark substrate.
- Floating plants, driftwood and leaf litter add a natural feel.
- Water: 68–81°F (20–27°C), pH 6.0–8.0, GH 2–20.
Fish Care
- Hardy and adaptable.
- Prefers some water movement.
Compatibility
- Very peaceful. Good with small cyprinids, tetras, livebearers, rainbowfish, gouramis, catfish and loaches.
Aquarium Behavior
- A schooling fish. Keep at least 6–10.
- Males display to each other in groups.
Breeding
- An egg scatterer with no parental care.
- Fry may appear in mature tanks.
- For more fry, use a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or mesh.