Easy

Cherry Barb

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Puntius titteya

Complete Cherry Barb care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 10 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Cherry Barb

Quick Answer

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 10 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Cherry Barb requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 10 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Cherry Barb is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Cherry Barb has a peaceful temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 6 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Cherry Barbs should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 12 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Cherry barbs (Puntius titteya) are schooling fish; males develop deep red coloration only when competing in groups over 10. Groups under 6 cause chronic stress and faded colors. Maintain a 1 male to 2-3 female ratio to disperse male attention. Provide dense planting (Java moss, Cabomba) and open swimming lanes. Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm) to prevent fin-nipping.
What are the exact water parameters for Cherry Barbs?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 350 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 240 - 700 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C). They are adaptable but prefer stable conditions. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a hang-on-back or sponge filter with moderate flow. Dark substrate and driftwood enhance red coloration. Hardness below 3 dGH causes clamped fins.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Cherry Barbs?
They are omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed premium flakes, small granules, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes and blanched zucchini weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are hardy and rarely require medication.
How to breed Cherry Barbs in a home aquarium?
Select 8-10 mature fish (1 male:2 female) and condition with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 5 inches (12 cm) of water (pH 6.5, dGH 5, 75°F/24°C), a spawning mop, and java moss. Simulate dawn with gradual light over 30 minutes. Spawning occurs in the morning; female lays 200-300 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 7.