Cherry barb

Common name Cherry barb Picture of Cherry barb
Picture of young Cherry barb
Young Cherry Barb, yet to develop adult colouration.
Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Puntius titteya

Synonyms Barbus titteya, Capoeta titteya (not valid)

Size 2" (5cm)

Origin Sri Lanka

Tank setup Planted tank with plenty of cover and some open swimming space.

Compatibilty A peaceful barb for the community tank.

Temperature 23-26^oC (73-79^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft to medium hard, around neutral pH (6.5-7.5)

Feeding Omnivorous: most foods accepted, include a vegetable component.

Sexing When breeding, males become an deep cherry red, females are brownish-red.

Breeding Spawn on fine leaved plants. Eggs hatch in 24 hours. As with other barbs, the parents are likely to eat the eggs if they have the opportunity.

Comments This species is not as inclined to shoal as other barbs, and individuals will tend to stick to their own space in the aquarium. They are especially suitable for keeping as a single pair.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Cherry barb	Young Cherry Barb, yet to develop adult colouration. Photos © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Puntius titteya
Synonyms	Barbus titteya, Capoeta titteya (not valid)
Size	2" (5cm)
Origin	Sri Lanka
Tank setup	Planted tank with plenty of cover and some open swimming space.
Compatibilty	A peaceful barb for the community tank.
Temperature	23-26^oC (73-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft to medium hard, around neutral pH (6.5-7.5)
Feeding	Omnivorous: most foods accepted, include a vegetable component.
Sexing	When breeding, males become an deep cherry red, females are brownish-red.
Breeding	Spawn on fine leaved plants. Eggs hatch in 24 hours. As with other barbs, the parents are likely to eat the eggs if they have the opportunity.
Comments	This species is not as inclined to shoal as other barbs, and individuals will tend to stick to their own space in the aquarium. They are especially suitable for keeping as a single pair.