Care sheet
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
Quick care
Start here
A small red schooling barb for planted community tanks.
If this came from a QR code or bag label, check these facts first.
Online care sheet: /fish/cherry-barb/
- Tank size
- 10 gallons or larger
- Adult size
- About 2 inches
- Temperature
- 72 - 80 F
- Origin
- Sri Lanka, Kelani & Niwala River
- Food
- Flakes, fine pelleted food, baby brine shrimp
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Temperament
- Peaceful schooling fish
- Plant safe
- Yes
- Invertebrate safe
- No
Appearance
Juvenile, adult male, and adult female
Juvenile
The juvenile appearance is a thinner version of the female appearance.
Adult male
Adult males show dark banding begin to fade away and is replaces by the bright red that is the characteristic of the species. Their profile is overall slimmer.
Adult female
Adult females retain bright and distinct markings of the juveniles but become rounded as they carry eggs.
Husbandry notes
Cherry barbs do best in a planted aquarium with room to school and soft cover. Keep them in a group so the fish stay confident and show stronger color.