The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its vibrant red coloration, especially in males during the breeding season. It is a popular choice for community aquariums due to its calm nature and hardiness.
Basic Information:
• Maximum Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
• Native From: Sri Lanka, with some introduced populations in Colombia and Mexico
• Growth Rate: They grow steadily and reach full size within 6-12 months
• Life Span: 4-7 years with proper care
• Diet: Omnivorous – they eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, plant matter, and live/frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
Breeding & Tank Setup:
• Breeding Season: No fixed season, but they breed readily in warm water (74-79°F or 23-26°C)
• Breeding Behavior: Egg scatterers; females lay eggs on plants, and males fertilize them. Parents should be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Best Tank Mates:
Cherry Barbs are peaceful and do well in community tanks. Ideal tank mates include:
• Other Cherry Barbs (keep in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress)
• Neon Tetras
• Ember Tetras
• Zebra Danios
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Honey Gouramis
• Otocinclus Catfish
They generally avoid fin-nipping but may feel stressed around aggressive fish. It’s best to avoid large or aggressive species like Cichlids.
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