Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) bred in SA
R34,00
Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
The Cherry Barb is a small, peaceful, and brightly colored schooling fish that adds activity and contrast to community aquariums. Males develop a deep red coloration, while females remain more subdued with a golden-brown hue. They are hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrive in planted tanks.
The Cherry Barb is a small, peaceful, and brightly colored schooling fish that adds activity and contrast to community aquariums. Males develop a deep red coloration, while females remain more subdued with a golden-brown hue. They are hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrive in planted tanks.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
- Common Names: Cherry Barb
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Size: 4–5 cm
- Lifespan: 4–6 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, active, best in groups
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 60+ litres (larger is better for a bigger school)
- Temperature: 22–26°C
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Water Hardness: 5–15 dGH
- Filtration: Moderate flow with good oxygenation
- Substrate & Decorations:
- Dark substrate enhances their red coloration.
- Live plants (Java Fern, Anubias, Vallisneria, Amazon Sword) provide cover.
- Driftwood and rocks create natural hiding spots.
- Open swimming space is important for their activity.
Behavior & Tank Mates
- Best kept in schools of 6+ (more males = brighter colors)
- Active mid-level swimmers, but enjoy darting between plants
- Peaceful, but males may spar during breeding
- Compatible Tank Mates:
- Small, peaceful fish (Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Guppies).
- Shrimp and snails (Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails).
- Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive species like Tiger Barbs.
Diet
Cherry Barbs are omnivorous and need a varied diet:
- High-quality flakes & micro pellets (staple food).
- Frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms for color enhancement).
- Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber for fiber).
Breeding
- Egg scatterers – no parental care
- Best bred in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants (Java Moss, spawning mops)
- Males turn deep red and chase females before spawning
- Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg consumption
- Eggs hatch in ~24 hours, fry eat infusoria and powdered fry food
Care Tips
✔ Keep in groups of 6+ for natural behavior
✔ Provide live plants for hiding and breeding areas
✔ Regular water changes (25–30% weekly) improve health and color
✔ Feed a variety of foods to maintain vibrant coloration
Why Keep Cherry Barbs?
✅ Beautiful deep red color, especially in males
✅ Peaceful and great for community tanks
✅ Active but not aggressive, making them ideal for planted setups
✅ Hardy and beginner-friendly
Would you like help with tank setup or compatibility suggestions? 😊
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