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? 😊
Related Products
The Pearl Gourami is a graceful and visually stunning freshwater fish, admired for its shimmering pearl-like spots and elegant elongated fins. Native to Southeast Asia, this peaceful species is well-suited for community aquariums with calm tank mates. Its hardy nature, striking appearance, and gentle temperament make it a favorite among aquarists.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
1 in stock
The Siamese Algae Eater is a hardworking freshwater fish prized for its exceptional algae-eating capabilities. Native to Southeast Asia, this active and peaceful species is a popular addition to community tanks, especially for aquarists looking to control algae growth in larger aquariums.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
20 in stock
The Golden Pencilfish is a peaceful and elegant freshwater species known for its slender body and shimmering golden coloration with distinct horizontal stripes. Native to South America, particularly the Amazon Basin, this small fish is a favorite for well-planted community aquariums due to its calm nature and shoaling behavior. Its size, beauty, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for nano and medium-sized tanks.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
3 in stock
The Zebra Nerite Snail is a small, hardy, and strikingly patterned freshwater snail that is excellent for controlling algae in aquariums. Its black and yellow-striped shell resembles a zebra pattern, making it a popular choice for aquascaped tanks.
10 in stock
The Horn Snail, also known as the Spiked Nerite Snail or Clithon corona, is a small and uniquely shaped freshwater snail prized for its decorative shell adorned with horn-like projections. Native to Southeast Asia, this peaceful species is an excellent addition to aquariums, known for its algae-eating abilities and compatibility with a wide variety of tank mates. Its colorful shell variations and functionality make it both practical and visually appealing.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
10 in stock
The Ghostknife Fish, scientifically known as Apteronotus albifrons, is an intriguing freshwater species known for its unique, eel-like body and electric organ discharge. This nocturnal fish is a favorite for aquarists looking to add something extraordinary to their aquarium. Their peaceful nature and ability to navigate in dim light make them a captivating choice for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
10 in stock
The Silver Dollar is a popular freshwater fish known for its shimmering, disc-shaped body and peaceful demeanor. Native to the rivers and streams of South America, these hardy fish are a favorite for aquarists with larger community tanks. Their schooling behavior and active nature make them a lively and captivating addition to aquariums.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
20 in stock
The Three-Lined Corydoras, also known as the Leopard Corydoras, is a peaceful and beautifully patterned catfish popular among aquarists. Its silvery body is adorned with intricate black markings, including three distinct horizontal lines along its flanks. Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of South America, particularly the Amazon Basin, this species is hardy and social, thriving in groups in community aquariums.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
10 in stock
Short Fin Lemon Ancistrus (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus)
The Short Fin Lemon Ancistrus, also called the Lemon Bristlenose Pleco, is a striking, yellow-colored variation of the common Bristlenose Pleco. Its compact size, peaceful nature, and algae-eating habits make it an excellent addition to community aquariums.
4 in stock
The Sparkling Gourami, also known as the Pygmy Gourami, is a tiny and enchanting freshwater fish known for its iridescent coloration and unique ability to produce croaking sounds during interactions. Native to Southeast Asia, this labyrinth fish thrives in heavily planted aquariums with calm waters. Its peaceful nature and manageable size make it an excellent choice for nano or community tanks.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
10 in stock
The Rosy Barb is a colorful and hardy freshwater fish that makes an excellent addition to community aquariums. They are among the most popular barb species due to their vibrant pinkish-red coloration, active nature, and peaceful temperament.
14 in stock
The Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Blue Dream) is a stunning freshwater shrimp known for its deep blue coloration and ease of care. It’s a great choice for shrimp keepers of all experience levels and makes an excellent addition to planted aquariums.
10 in stock
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.