Publisher's Synopsis
Cherry Barbs are peaceful, schooling South Asian delights. Unlike Tiger Barbs and some of the more aggressive fish they are related to, Cherry Barb fish are relaxed community tank residents.
They usually won't nip fins and can be kept in as large a group as you wish. They will even breed for you if you feed them well enough. If you are interested in learning more about Cherry Barb care then you've come to the right place.Getting to Know the Cherry Barb
The Cherry Barb looks a little unusual if you are more accustomed to chunkier barbs. Tiger Barbs, Tinfoil Barbs, Black Ruby Barbs, and many of these other closely related freshwater fish tend to be bulky, wedge-shaped fish. Cherry Barbs look more like Tetra fish, with a long, slim body shape.
However, they are true Cyprinids, just like other barbs, danios, goldfish, and loaches. The Cherry Barb comes from the island of Sri Lanka, off the coast of India.
Their natural habitat is slow-moving streams and rivers in the forests of the island. However, they are all exclusively tank-raised so you will rarely find any that are wild-caught.
The Cherry Barb is an aquarium trade favorite due to the intense red coloration of the male fish. Even when he isn't actively breeding or trying to impress a mate they retain a ruby red color that is very eyecatching.
If kept under full-spectrum lighting in a well-planted tank you may even see an iridescent green sheen if they are truly happy with their home.
Cherry Barbs are great community fish as well and rarely bother their tank mates. So let's dive into everything there is to know about Cherry Barb care.
- Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Length: 2 inches
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Ease of Care: Very Easy