Skip to content

Cherry Barb

Puntius titteya · family Cyprinidae

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) — aquarium fish
Brian Gratwicke / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Parameters

Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
5–18 °dGH
Tank volume
from 60 L
Maximum size
up to 5 cm
Group size
min 6, ideal 8
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle
Difficulty
Beginner
Lifespan
4–6 years
Add to simulator

Description

The cherry barb is a peaceful barb — unlike the tiger barb. In breeding dress, males turn a deep saturated red, which gave the species its name.

Schooling fish — in a group they color up brighter and stress less.

Care

Group composition

More females than males is preferable, otherwise the males chase each other. A 1:2 (males:females) ratio is optimal.

Feeding

Omnivorous. Flakes + frozen or live foods.

Compatibility

  • Neon Tetra

    Paracheirodon innesi

    Similar parameters and temperament.

    Good
  • Bronze Corydoras

    Corydoras aeneus

    A classic pairing.

    Ideal
  • Guppy

    Poecilia reticulata

    Compatible.

    Good
  • Betta

    Betta splendens

    Barbs may nip at long fins.

    Caution
  • Freshwater Angelfish

    Pterophyllum scalare

    Barbs may nip at the angelfish's fins.

    Caution

FAQ

Можно ли держать вишнёвых барбусов с длинноплавничными рыбами?
С осторожностью. В большой группе (8+) обычно не трогают, но в малой могут обрывать плавники петушка и скалярии.
Goldie editorial team — collective profile photo
AuthorGoldie Editorial

Goldie editorial team

Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication

Goldie Science Board — collective scientific review panel
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board

Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians

Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown

Sources

  1. FishBase: Puntius titteya · FishBase · 2026-05-22
  2. Seriously Fish: Puntius titteya · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22