Cherry Barb

Puntius titteya, the Cherry Barb, is a small, beautiful, and gentle barb endemic to Sri Lanka, where it inhabits slow-moving streams and rivers in the lowland wet zone forests. Listed as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and overcollection, though virtually all aquarium specimens are captive-bred.

Males in breeding condition or when displaying are extraordinary: the entire body becomes a deep, uniform cherry to crimson red — one of the most vivid single colours found on any small aquarium fish. Outside of peak colour, males display a more moderate reddish-brown with a bold black lateral stripe. Females have a more modest brown-olive body with the same black stripe and hints of red in the fins.

The Cherry Barb is among the most peaceful of all barb species — virtually non-nippy even toward long-finned fish, and entirely compatible with the widest range of community tank mates. This, combined with the male's spectacular crimson colouration, makes it an exceptional choice for planted community aquariums where other barbs would be inappropriate.

Cherry Barbs are naturally associated with dense, shaded forest stream habitats with overhanging vegetation, fallen leaves, and tannin-stained water. In the aquarium, a planted setup with subdued lighting and some tannins produces the most vivid colouration and the most natural-looking display.

Tank Setup: A minimum 50-litre planted aquarium for a school of eight. Dense planting with fine-leaved and broad-leaved plants, dark substrate, Indian almond leaves, driftwood, and gentle filtration. Subdued lighting or floating plants bring out the deepest crimson colouration in males.

Water Parameters: Temperature 22–27°C; pH 6.0–7.5; GH 4–15 °dH; KH 2–8 °dH. Adaptable to a range of conditions. Soft, slightly acidic water for best colouration but moderately hard water is tolerated.

Feeding: Omnivore. Accepts quality flake, micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia, and occasional blanched vegetables. Feed twice daily. Small mouths — ensure appropriate food size.

Tank Mates: One of the most community-compatible barbs available. Suitable with virtually all peaceful species including long-finned fish (Bettas, Guppies, Angelfish) — monitor initially but Cherry Barbs rarely nip. Excellent with tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis, livebearers, and small cichlids.

Behaviour: Peaceful and active schooling fish. Males display vivid red when competing for females. Groups of 8+ with more females than males reduce harassment of individual females. Non-aggressive toward any tank mate.

Health: Hardy and disease-resistant. Susceptible to ich during temperature fluctuations. Occasional white spot is easily treated. Weekly 20–25% water changes maintain excellent health.