Cherry Barb Care Guide: Size, Color, Tank Mates, Diet & More
The Cherry Barb is a great schooling fish for freshwater aquarium tanks. Since the fish belongs to the Cyprinidae family, this fish is also very easy to care for and has a shy nature.
The magenta red color makes the fish look so beautiful that you’ll want to have Cherry Barb in all aquarium tanks.
As the days go by, the popularity of this fish among aquarium lovers is increasing. Since this fish is small, it does not require a large fish tank, i.e. can live in a nano tank.
But if you don’t have proper knowledge about this fish, it is a little difficult to take care of them. If you are thinking of keeping Cherry Barb fish, then this article is a must-read for you.
Here, we will discuss everything about Cherry Barbs including their size, lifespan, tank mates, diet, and breeding. So, let’s get started!
What is A Cherry Barb?
The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, reddish-orange freshwater fish native to Sri Lanka. It is a member of the cyprinid family and is closely related to other barbs, such as the Tiger Barb and the Golden Barb.
The Cherry Barb gets its name from its bright coloration, which is similar to that of a ripe cherry. The body of the fish is covered in small, black spots, and the fins are tipped with black.
The males of the species are usually more brightly colored than the females. The Cherry Barb is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks.
It prefers to school with other fish of its own kind, but can also be kept with other peaceful species.
The fish is an active swimmer and does best in tanks that provide plenty of open swimming space.
The Cherry Barb is a relatively easy fish to care for, and makes a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
The fish is not picky about its diet and will accept most commercially prepared foods. It is important to provide the fish with a varied diet, however, as this will help to maintain its vibrant coloration.
The Cherry Barb is not bred in captivity very often, but it can be done. The fish prefers to spawn in areas of dense vegetation, and the female can lay up to 200 eggs at a time.
The fry is very small and will need to be fed infusoria or other tiny foods until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or bloodworms.
The Cherry Barb is a popular fish among aquarium enthusiasts and is widely available in pet stores and online.
It is a relatively inexpensive fish and is a good choice for those looking to add some color to their tank.
Species overview of Cherry Barb
| Scientific Name: | Puntius titteya |
| Common Name: | Cherry Barb |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Max Size: | 1.5″ |
| Depth: | 4-20′ |
| Distribution: | Sri Lanka |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Reef Compatible: | Yes |
| Life Span: | 5-7 years |
| Aquarium Environment: | Community |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Tank Temperature: | 72-78°F |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Tank Set-Up: | Freshwater |
| Water Conditions: | 6.5-7.5, Neutral |
| Compatibility: | Good community fish, a mix of sexes recommended |
What if you are interested in keeping a fish but don’t know much about that fish species?
When keeping any fish in an aquarium it is important to know the overview of that species. The Cherry Barb fish is no different in that regard.
This species of fish is native to Sri Lanka and is a part of the Cyprinidae family. The Cherry Barb can grow up to 1.5 inches in length and has a lifespan of approximately 5-7 years.
These fish are omnivores, which means that their diet consists of both meat and plants.
In terms of temperament, the Cherry Barb is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. They are also compatible with reef aquariums.
When setting up a tank for Cherry Barbs, it is important to create an environment that replicates their natural habitat as closely as possible.
If you want to own this fish now then you can collect it from your nearest aquarium store. The price is not high but it is good to have an idea, it will cost 3-6$ per fish.
All about Cherry Barb
Now you know a little more about the Cherry Barb fish species, including their basic overview, diet, and temperament.
With this information, you can decide if this is the right fish for your aquarium.
But I have a question for you based on these few minutes of information would it be right to keep this fish in an aquarium?
As a new fish keeper, you want to know everything about these fish. I can help you eliminate mental thoughts about this fish.
So I have decided to discuss Cherry Barb fish appearance, skin color & behavior in a detailed step-by-step way now.
Appearance
I like the look of this fish so much that I started discussing its appearance first. The Cherry Barb is a very beautiful fish with an oval-shaped body.
The color of this fish is Barbus titteya is light brown to reddish-brown. There are black vertical bars on its body which are 3 to 5 in number.
The male Cherry Barb fish is more colorful than the female ones. The fins of the male fish are also longer than the female fish.
You will truly fall in love when you look into their eyes because the upper part of the eye is dark golden chrome and the inside is a black gem.
You will be surprised to know the total number of their fins. They have a total of 10 fins in which 2 pairs of pectoral, 1 pair of dorsal, 1 pair of anal, and 2 ventral pairs.
The length of the Cherry Barb fish is about 3 cm to 5 cm. The dorsal fin is the largest of the fins and it has 13 to 15 soft rays.
The pectoral fins are located behind the gill covers. These fins are also very important for the fish as they use them for balance and movement.
Watching these fishes swimming in the aquarium tank will be really fun. If you have artificial lighting in your aquarium tank, the light will bathe them in the water.
Now you know everything about its appearance so let’s move to the next point.
Size & Lifespan
You already know almost everything important about this fish, but two things have not been reported in detail yet.
Size and life span of Cherry Barb fish. These two things are very important for a new fish keeper.
It is known from the research of a private aquarium-based fish research institute in Sri Lanka that the maximum length of Cherry Barb fish is 6 cm.
The average lifespan of this fish in an aquarium is 2 to 3 years, but if you take good care of your fish, they can live up to 5 years.
In the aquarium tank, the Cherry Barb fish grows up to 3 cm in length. If you want to keep more than 5 Cherry Barb fish in your aquarium, then I recommend you buy an aquarium of at least 10 gallons.
5 Cherry Barb fish need a minimum of 4 liters of water to live healthily in the aquarium.
If you are keeping these fish for the first time, then you must know that they are very peaceful by nature. They can live with any other peaceful fish in the aquarium.
You will not have to worry about their compatibility with other fish. Cherry Barb fish are also known as schooling fish, which means they live in a group of 5 or more fish.
Color Varieties & Behavior
There are different color varieties of Cherry Barb fish available in the market. The most common color variety is Red Cherry Barb.
These fish are very peaceful and they can live with other fishes in the aquarium tank. The only problem is that they are very shy so you have to be very careful while choosing their tank mates.
You should not keep more than 5 Cherry Barb fish together in one aquarium tank. If you do so, they will become very stressed and their health will be affected.
It is better to keep them with other peaceful fishes like Neon Tetras, Guppies, Mollies, etc. You can also keep them with Ghost Shrimp and Snails.
Cherry Barb fish are very active during the daytime so you will see them swimming around a lot. They are mostly found in the upper part of the aquarium tank.
At night, they rest on the leaves of plants or on the gravel. They become very active when they see their food coming toward them.
You will be really happy to see them eating because they have a very good appetite. They will eat anything that you give them.
The only problem is that they are not very good at hiding so other fishes can bully them. You have to be very careful while choosing their tank mates.
Now you know everything about the Cherry Barb fish species, including their appearance, diet, and behavior. With this information, you can decide if this is the right fish for your aquarium.
The personality of the Cherry Barb
Every fish has its own personality and Cherry Barb is no different. If you are thinking of keeping this fish in your aquarium, then you should know everything about its personality.
Very Friendly And Peaceful
One of the best things about Cherry Barb is that it is a very friendly and peaceful fish. It gets along well with other fishes in the aquarium and doesn’t create any problems.
This fish is also known to be very curious. It will often swim to the front of the aquarium to see what’s going on. This makes it a very entertaining fish to watch.
Hardy And Easy To Care For
The Cherry Barb is a hardy fish that is easy to care for. This makes it a great choice for beginner fish keepers.
The Cherry Barb is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish in the aquarium. It is also a very curious fish and will often swim to the front of the aquarium to see what is going on.
This makes it a very entertaining fish to watch. The Cherry Barb is a hardy fish that is easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner fish keepers.
Very Active
The Cherry Barb is a very active fish. It is constantly swimming around the aquarium and exploring its surroundings. This makes it a very fun fish to watch.
It is also a very good swimmer and can easily keep up with other fast-swimming fish.
Eats Algae
One of the best things about Cherry Barb is that it loves to eat algae. This makes it a great addition to any aquarium as it will help to keep the tank clean.
The Cherry Barb is a very active fish that loves to eat algae. It is also a very good swimmer and can easily keep up with other fast-swimming fish. This makes it a great addition to any aquarium.
Can Be Skittish
The Cherry Barb is a very active fish and can be skittish at times. It is important to make sure that the tank is well-covered as this fish may jump out if it feels scared.
The Cherry Barb is a very active fish that can be skittish at times. It is important to make sure that the tank is well-covered as this fish may jump out if it feels scared.
This fish is also known to be very curious. It will often swim to the front of the aquarium to see what’s going on. This makes it a very entertaining fish to watch.
Overall, the Cherry Barb is a great addition to any aquarium. It is a very friendly and peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish. It is also easy to care for and hardy.
Pros and Cons of Cherry Barb Farming
Now that you know everything about the Cherry Barb, it’s time to decide if this fish is right for your aquarium. Here are some pros and cons of Cherry Barb farming:
Overall, the Cherry Barb is a great addition to any aquarium. It is a very friendly and peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish. It is also easy to care for and hardy.
If you are looking for a fun and active fish to add to your aquarium, the Cherry Barb is a great choice!
Care guide for Cherry Barb
Let’s now discuss the care of this fish. It is a long process though. But don’t worry, by the end of this guide, you will be an expert in taking care of Cherry Barb.
As we know that every living creature needs food, water, and air to survive. The same is the case with Cherry Barb.
They need good quality food, clean water, and a well-oxygenated aquarium to live a healthy life. In this section, we will discuss the diet, water, and housing requirements of Cherry Barb.
Diet Of Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb is not a picky eater. They will eat anything that you give them. The only problem is that they are not very good at hiding so other fishes can bully them and steal their food.
To avoid this problem, you should give them small pellets or flakes that sink to the bottom of the tank. This way, they can eat their food before other fishes get to it.
Cherry Barb is also known to be an algae eater. So, if you have an algae problem in your aquarium, these fish can help you solve it.
Water Requirements Of Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb is tropical fish so they need warm water to live. The ideal temperature range for them is between 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit.
They also prefer slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.5-7.0. The best way to ensure that the water in your aquarium is of good quality is to use a water test kit.
This will help you keep an eye on the water parameters and make changes if necessary. It is best if 25% of the aquarium tank water is changed twice a month.
Housing Requirements Of Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb is peaceful fish so they do not need a lot of space. A 10-gallon aquarium is more than enough for them.
If you are keeping them with other fish, then you will need a bigger tank. But make sure that there is plenty of hiding places in the aquarium as these fish like to hide when they feel scared.
Cherry Barb is also known to be a good jumper so it is important to have a well-covered aquarium.
This will prevent them from jumping out and getting hurt.
Wild Habitat and Tank Conditions
| Minimum tank size: | 10 gallons |
| Tank Type: | Aquarium |
| Tank Temperature: | 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit |
| pH Level: | 6.5-7.0 |
| Salinity: | None |
| Water Flow: | Moderate |
The Cherry Barb is a tropical fish that originates from Sri Lanka. In the wild, they can be found in slow-moving streams and rivers.
The water in their natural habitat is warm with a temperature range of 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH of the water is slightly acidic with a range of 6.5-7.0.
The Cherry Barb is a schooling fish so they like to live in groups. In the wild, they can be found in schools of up to 100 fish.
The Cherry Barb is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish. In the wild, they are known to feed on algae and small insects.
The minimum tank size for Cherry Barb is 10 gallons. If you are keeping them with other fish, then you will need a bigger tank. The water temperature in the tank should be between 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit with a slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7.0.
The Cherry Barb is a good jumper so it is important to have a well-covered aquarium. They also need plenty of hiding places in the tank as they like to hide when they feel scared.
Overall, the Cherry Barb is a hardy fish that is easy to care for. With the proper diet and housing, they can live for up to 5 years in captivity.
Tank Mates
Cherry Barb can live with a wide variety of fish, including other peaceful barbs and tetras. They make a great addition to any community tank. Some compatible fish include:
- Tetras: Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Black Neon Tetra
- Barbs: Tiger Barb, Gold Barb, Rosy Barb
- Gouramis: Dwarf Gourami, Kissing Gourami
- Danios: Zebra Danio, Leopard Danio
- Loaches: Clown Loach, Yo-Yo Loach
- Rasboras: Harlequin Rasbora, Comet Rasbora
- Other peaceful community fish
Cherry Barb is not compatible with fish that are aggressive or nippy. They can also be bullied by larger fish. Some incompatible fish include:
- Betta Fish
- Oscars
- Cichlids
- Guppies
- Dwarf Gouramis (if they are not peaceful)
- Koi (if they are not peaceful)
When choosing tank mates for Cherry Barb, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and diet of the fish. Cherry Barb is peaceful community fish that do best with other peaceful fish.
Cherry Barb is a great addition to any community tank. They are peaceful, easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium.
When choosing tank mates, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and diet of the fish. Cherry Barb does best with other peaceful fish that are similar in size.
They should not be kept with aggressive or nippy fish, as they can be bullied. It is also important to provide a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.
Feeding Your Cherry Barb
- protein – 0.25%
- fat – 0.4%
- fiber – 5%
Cherry Barb are omnivores and do well with a variety of foods. They should be given a balanced diet of both meaty and plant-based foods. Some good options include:
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Algae
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Flake food
- Pellets
When feeding Cherry Barb, it is important to give them a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet. They should be fed 2-3 times per day, and only as much food as they can eat in 2 minutes.
Cherry Barb is a great addition to any community tank. They are peaceful, easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium.
When choosing tank mates, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and diet of the fish. Cherry Barb does best with other peaceful fish that are similar in size.
They should not be kept with aggressive or nippy fish, as they can be bullied. It is also important to provide a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.
My Recommendation on food brand
I recommend the brand “Tetra” because I have been using it for years and my fish are always healthy and happy. I’ve never had any problems with this brand. The food is also affordable, which is important to me.
I would also recommend getting the “Tetra Min Flakes” because they are good all-around food for Cherry Barb. They contain all the nutrients your fish needs to stay healthy and happy.
Breeding Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb breeding can be quite easy. All you need is a little patience and some basic understanding of the breeding process.
To start, you will need to purchase a pair of Cherry Barb. It is best to get a male and a female that are around the same size. Once you have your fish, you will need to set up a breeding tank.
The breeding tank should be at least 10 gallons and should have plenty of hiding places.
Live plants are also a good idea, as they will provide oxygen and help to keep the water clean. You will also need to add a sponge filter to the tank.
Once your tank is set up, you will need to acclimate your fish to the new environment. This can be done by slowly adding water from the breeding tank to their current tank over a period of an hour.
After your fish have acclimated, it is time to start the spawning process. The female Cherry Barb will lay her eggs on plants or other surfaces in the tank.
The male will then fertilize the eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch in about two to three days.
The fry (baby fish) will then be able to fend for themselves and you can begin to feed them baby brine shrimp or other small foods.
With a little patience and care, you will soon have a tank full of healthy Cherry Barb!
Common disease Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb is generally a very hardy fish and does not often get sick. However, there are a few diseases that can affect them.
One common disease is called “Ich” or “white spot disease”. This is a parasite that attacks the fish and causes white spots to form on their body.
Ich can be treated with a variety of methods, including chemicals, heat treatment, and freshwater dips.
Another common disease is called “fin rot”. This is caused by bacteria and results in the fish’s fins becoming ragged and disintegrating.
Fin rot can be treated with a variety of antibiotics.
If you suspect that your fish is sick, it is important to take them to a vet or experienced fish keeper for diagnosis and treatment.
With proper care and attention, your Cherry Barb will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment!
How to Add Cherry Barb to Your Aquarium Tank?
Cherry Barb is a beautiful addition to any aquarium tank. They are small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 2 inches.
Despite their small size, they are very active and will swim all over the tank in search of food. They are also very good at hiding and will often find nooks and crannies to hide in when they are feeling shy.
Cherry Barb is very easy to care for and makes a great addition to any aquarium tank. Here are a few tips on how to add Cherry Barb to your aquarium tank:
1. The first thing you need to do is purchase quality fish food that contains all the necessary nutrients for Cherry Barb.
2. You should also get some live plants for your aquarium tank. Cherry Barb loves to hide among the plants and they help to keep the water clean.
3. It is also a good idea to get a sponge filter for your aquarium tank. This will help to keep the water clean and provide a place for the fish to hide.
4. When you are ready to add the fish to your aquarium tank, it is important to acclimate them to the new environment. This can be done by slowly adding water from the breeding tank to their current tank over a period of an hour.
5. After your fish has acclimated, you can then start the spawning process. The female Cherry Barb will lay her eggs on plants or other surfaces in the tank.
6. The male will then fertilize the eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch in about two to three days.
7. The fry (baby fish) will then be able to fend for themselves and you can begin to feed them baby brine shrimp or other small foods.
With a little patience and care, you will soon have a tank full of healthy Cherry Barb!
Pro Tips for Keeping Cherry Barb in an Aquarium
1. Always keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. Cherry barbs are very sensitive to water quality and will not do well in an aquarium that is not properly maintained.
2. Provide plenty of hiding places and cover for your cherry barbs. They are shy fish and will appreciate having lots of places to hide.
3. Feed your cherry barbs a variety of foods. They are omnivorous and will do best when they have a varied diet.
4. Be sure to quarantine new fish before adding them to your aquarium. Cherry barbs are very sensitive to disease and you don’t want to risk Introducing something that could make them sick.
5. Keep an eye on your cherry barbs for any signs of illness. They are not very hardy fish and can succumb to disease very easily.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cherry barbs will thrive in your aquarium.
Just remember to always keep an eye on them and be diligent about maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Which Reasons You Should Keep Cherry Barb in Your Aquarium?
Cherry barbs are a popular type of aquarium fish that are known for their beautiful red coloration.
They are peaceful fish that can do well in a community tank, but there are a few things you need to know before adding them to your aquarium.
Here are a few reasons why you should keep cherry barbs in your aquarium:
- They are beautiful fish that add color and interest to your aquarium.
- They are peaceful fish that get along well with other tank mates.
- They are easy to care for and do not require any special care.
- They are relatively inexpensive, so they are a great option for budget-minded aquarists.
- They are hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of water conditions.
If you are looking for an attractive and easy-to-care-for fish, then cherry barbs are a great option for you. Just be sure to provide them with a good quality diet and plenty of hiding places in your aquarium.
History and first sight
Cherry barbs are a popular type of aquarium fish that are known for their beautiful red coloration.
The first time they were sighted was in 1854 by Dr. Albert Günther, who described them as “one of the most beautiful fishes” he had ever seen.
Since then, cherry barbs have been popular among aquarists for their beauty and ease of care.
While they are native to Sri Lanka, cherry barbs are now found in aquariums all over the world. If you are looking for an attractive and easy-to-care-for fish, then cherry barbs are a great option for you.
Just be sure to provide them with a good quality diet and plenty of hiding places in your aquarium.
Finally the last word
Cherry Barb is the best if you are a new aquarium fish keeper. Why? Because Cherry Barb is a very peaceful fish that gets along with almost all other fish species.
They are also very easy to care for and are very hardy fish. So if you are new to the hobby, or just looking for an easy-to-care-for fish, the Cherry Barb is a great choice!
One of the reasons why this fish is added to the aquarium tank is because of its attractive colors. Male Cherry Barb has a bright red coloration on its body, while the female is usually a little bit lighter in color.
Today we are at the end of this blog post. I hope this has helped you to better understand the Cherry Barb and why it is such a popular aquarium fish! Thanks for reading!