Cherry barb fish, known scientifically as Puntius titteya (formerly Barbus titteya or Capoeta titteya), and popularly as red barbs or ruby barbs, are a vibrant and dynamic jewel for any freshwater aquarium. Native to the streams and rivers of Sri Lanka, these small cyprinids are appreciated by both beginner and experienced aquarists due to their beauty, active behavior, and relative ease of care.
The popularity of Puntius titteya lies in the intense cherry-red color that males develop, especially during courtship, contrasting with the more subtle coloration of females. Although related to the well-known tiger barb, the cherry barb stands out for its generally peaceful character, making it an excellent option for well-planned community aquariums.
In this exhaustive guide, we will explore all the essential aspects of cherry barbs: from their appearance and natural habitat to the specific requirements for their diet, the ideal setup of their aquarium, their fascinating reproductive process, and how to ensure their compatibility with other aquatic inhabitants. We will also address popular varieties such as the albino cherry barb and the longfin (veiltail) cherry barb.
What is the cherry barb?
From the same family as tiger barbs, the cherry barb is the ideal species for people who are just starting in the world of aquariums, and its popularity is mainly due to its beauty and easy breeding.
Taxonomy of cherry barbs
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Subfamily: Barbinae
Genus: Puntius
Scientific name: Puntius titteya, synonyms: Barbus titteya and Capoeta titteya
Common name in Spanish: Barbo cereza, barbos rojos or barbos rubíes
Common name in English: Cherry Barbs
Sudasinghe et al. (2023) reported that according to molecular bases, Puntius titteya belongs to a new genus: “Rohanella,” where the cherry barb is the type species; and concludes that the genus Rohanella is endemic to rainforest streams in the perhumid wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka.
Appearance and sexual dimorphism
Cherry barbs are small-sized fish, reaching a maximum length of about 4-5 cm (approximately 2 inches); these fish can live, with proper care, up to 6 years. They have a fusiform and slender body, slightly compressed laterally.
- General Coloration: The most distinctive feature is the color.
- Males: They exhibit an intense cherry-red coloration that is noticeably accentuated during the breeding season or when competing for the attention of females. They may show a dark horizontal line along the body.
- Females: They are a paler shade, generally orange-brown or coppery, with a more defined dark lateral line and a rounder belly, especially when they are carrying eggs. Their fins may have reddish reflections.
- Fins: Generally translucent or with reddish tones.
- Lateral line: A dark stripe runs along their body from near the operculum to the base of the caudal fin, sometimes being more prominent in females and young specimens.
Sexual dimorphism is quite evident: males are more colorful and slender, while females are more robust and have duller colors. This difference becomes more noticeable as they mature. Likewise, Woods (2022) notes that wild-caught cherry barbs tend to be more colorful than captive-bred fish.
Popular varieties of the cherry barb
In addition to the standard form, selective breeding has given rise to some attractive varieties:
- Longfin (Veiltail) cherry barb: It is characterized by having visibly longer and more flowing fins than the standard variety. This feature adds a touch of elegance but also makes them more susceptible to being nipped by inappropriate tank mates. They require peaceful companions and an aquarium without sharp objects that could damage their fins.
- Albino cherry barb: This variety lacks the normal dark pigmentation. It has a creamy white to pale pink body, often maintaining the characteristic reddish intensity, especially in males. Their eyes are typically red or pink. The care is identical to that of the standard variety.
Origin and natural habitat of the cherry barb
Puntius titteya is an endemic species of Sri Lanka. In its natural environment, it inhabits slow-flowing streams and rivers, densely planted and with abundant shade provided by riparian vegetation, such as in the tropical basins of the Kelani and Nilwala rivers (Sanders, 2021 and Wood, 2022). These waters are usually warm, slightly acidic, and soft, with bottoms covered in leaf litter and detritus, which provide them with shelter and food sources.
- Region: Southwest Sri Lanka (basins of the Kelani and Nilwala rivers).
- Type of water: Fresh, calm, often with a tea-like hue due to tannins.
- Environment: Shallow areas with a lot of vegetation, roots, and fallen leaves.
Abeyrathne and Ranatunga (2022) reported that in its natural habitat, P. titteya can survive in a variety of pH levels, shallow water bodies with medium flow rates, and submerged debris layers, but they need higher water purity to reproduce and create effective populations.
On the other hand, cherry barb fish can also be found in Colombia, Mexico, and Panama (Sheppard, 2022), perhaps as a result of the release of aquarium-raised specimens. Understanding their natural habitat is key to replicating optimal conditions in the aquarium and ensuring their well-being.
Behavior and temperament
Cherry barbs are active, lively, and generally peaceful fish, which makes them suitable for many community aquariums. Tidswell and Tytell (2025) suggest a significant dependence on the lateral line for schooling behavior in this species.
Some characteristics of their behavior are:
- Sociability: They are schooling fish and feel safer and exhibit more natural behavior when kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals, ideally with more females than males (e.g., 1 male for every 2-3 females) to reduce stress on females and encourage the best coloration in males.
- Swimming level: They mainly occupy the middle and lower levels of the aquarium, although they will explore all levels.
- Interaction: Males may show some rivalry among themselves, chasing each other and displaying their colors, but this rarely results in serious damage, especially if there is enough space and females present.
- Timidity: They can be somewhat shy, especially when introduced to a new aquarium or if kept with much larger or aggressive fish. Providing them with enough hiding places (plants, driftwood) will help them feel secure.
Despite the reputation of some barbs for being fin nippers, cherry barbs are usually much more peaceful, although it is crucial to choose suitable tank mates.
Feeding cherry barbs
Cherry barbs are omnivores and are not particularly picky eaters. In their natural habitat, these fish feed on algae and detritus with some animal matter (Kortmulder, and van der Wiele, 2023). A varied diet is key to their health and coloration.
- Base foods: Good quality flakes or microgranules formulated for omnivorous tropical fish.
- Complementary foods: Live and frozen: Brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, Grindal worms. These foods are excellent for enhancing their color and vitality.
- Vegetables: Spirulina flakes or granules, and occasionally blanched vegetables like peeled peas or zucchini.
- Feeding frequency: Feed in small portions 1-2 times a day, offering only the amount they can consume in a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and water contamination.
A diet rich in carotenoids can help intensify the red coloration of males. Eaton et al. (2016) determined the effect of carotenoid (astaxanthin) consumption on cherry barb behavior, and concluded that male fish showed less aggression and were most preferred by females.
Breeding cherry barbs
Breeding cherry barbs in captivity is relatively simple if the right conditions are provided.
- Breeding tank (Optional but recommended):
- A separate tank of about 20-40 liters with mature water from the main aquarium.
- No substrate or a thin layer of gravel, or a mesh at the bottom to protect the eggs.
- Abundant fine-leaved plants (like Java moss or Myriophyllum) or a spawning mop, as they are egg scatterers and do not care for them.
- Dim lighting.
- Slightly elevated temperature (25-27°C) and slightly acidic pH.
- Conditioning the breeders:
- Feed the selected fish (ideally a ratio of 1 male to 2 females, or a well-established pair) with high-quality live and frozen foods for 1-2 weeks before attempting to breed.
- Fukuda and Karino (2014) highlight that the red coloration of male cherry barbs may indicate sperm longevity and that females can mate with males with higher quality sperm by choosing redder males.
- Mieno and Karino (2019) demonstrated that male Puntius titteya fish preferred females with redder coloration; and that females with higher color saturation produced larger eggs.
- Spawning process:
- Introduce the breeders into the breeding tank in the afternoon. Spawning usually occurs in the morning.
- The male will court the female, displaying his most intense colors and chasing her among the plants.
- The female will scatter the adhesive eggs (between 200-300) among the vegetation while the male fertilizes them.
- Post-spawning:
- Remove the parents immediately after spawning, as they will eat the eggs and fry.
- Hatching and care of the fry:
- The eggs hatch in approximately 24-48 hours, depending on the temperature.
- The fry will consume their yolk sac for the first few days.
- Once they are free-swimming (3-5 days after hatching), they can be fed infusoria, rotifers, newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii, or very fine commercial fry foods.
- Frequent small water changes in the breeding tank are crucial to maintain water quality.
Aquarium requirements for the Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
Cherry barbs are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for beginner aquarists. However, it is important to keep the aquarium water clean and well-oxygenated.
The size of the aquarium will depend on the number of fish you have. An 80-liter aquarium can house up to 10 adult fish; however, a minimum of 06 fish is recommended. A good filtration system is essential to maintain water quality. A filter that moves the aquarium volume at least 3-4 times per hour is adequate. The current should not be excessively strong; they prefer calmer waters. Additionally, it is advisable to change the aquarium water partially (20 to 25%) once a week.
Table 1. Technical sheet for the care of the cherry barb (Puntius titteya).
| Parameter | Range |
| Minimum tank size | 75 liters for 6 barbs |
| Water temperature (oC) | 23 – 26 |
| pH | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2 – 18 |
| Ammonia and nitrites | 0 ppm |
| Nitrates | < 20-30 ppm |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Total suspended solids (TDS) | 14 to 18 ppm |
These barb fish thrive in aquariums that mimic their natural habitat (planted aquarium). They also need adequate lighting and a soft substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. In this regard, conditions such as the following should be provided:
- Substrate: A dark substrate (fine sand or small gravel) will help highlight their vibrant colors and simulate their natural environment.
- Decoration and plants:
- A densely planted aquarium is ideal. Plants provide hiding places, reduce stress, and offer surfaces for spawning. Species like mosses (Java Moss), ferns (Java Fern), Anubias, Cryptocorynes, and stem plants are excellent choices.
- Include driftwood, roots, and rocks to create more shelters and a natural look.
- Leave open areas for free swimming.
- Lighting: They prefer moderate or dim lighting. Floating plants can help diffuse the light and create shaded areas, which they will appreciate.
Cherry Barb compatibility with other fish
Although generally peaceful, the choice of tank mates is important.
- Ideal tank mates:
- Other small, peaceful schooling fish such as tetras (Neons, Cardinals, Rummy Nose), rasboras (Harlequin, Mosquito), danios (Zebra, Pearl).
- Corydoras and other small, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish.
- Small loaches (like Kuhli loaches).
- Some peaceful dwarf gouramis (consider tank size).
- Snails and cherry shrimp are also good companions for cherry barbs.
- To avoid or exercise caution with:
- Much larger, aggressive, or territorial fish that could intimidate or prey on them.
- Fish with long, showy fins (like fancy Guppies or male Bettas), as, although not common, some cherry barbs (especially if stressed or in small groups) might nip them. Longfin varieties of cherry barbs are particularly vulnerable.
- Other more aggressive barbs like Tiger Barbs, unless the tank is very large and well-structured.
Always observe interactions and be prepared to separate fish if compatibility issues arise. A large group of cherry barbs tends to be more focused on themselves and less likely to bother others.
Diseases
Cherry barbs are hardy fish, but like all aquarium fish, they can be susceptible to common diseases if water conditions are not optimal or if pathogens are introduced.
- Ich (White Spot / Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): Manifests as small white spots on the body and fins. It is treatable by raising the temperature (if inhabitants can tolerate it) and using specific medications.
- Columnaris (Cotton Mouth): Bacterial infection that can appear as cottony lesions on the mouth, fins, or body.
- Dropsy: Swelling of the body and protruding scales, often a symptom of an internal bacterial infection or organ failure.
- Fin Rot: Fraying and loss of tissue in the fins, usually caused by bacteria in poor water conditions or by nipping.
Prevention:
- Maintain excellent water quality with regular changes.
- Avoid stress (overcrowding, incompatible tank mates, sudden parameter fluctuations).
- Provide a varied and high-quality diet.
- Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main aquarium.
Conservation status
The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is mainly due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture in Sri Lanka, as well as possible over-collection for the aquarium trade in the past, although most specimens available today are captive-bred.
Choosing captive-bred fish helps protect wild populations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
Here we answer some of the most common questions aquarists have about the care and maintenance of cherry barbs.
What size aquarium do cherry barbs need?
An aquarium of at least 60 liters (approximately 15-20 gallons) is recommended for a small group of 5-6 cherry barbs. If you plan to have a larger group or add other tank mates, an 80-100 liter aquarium or larger is preferable.
How many cherry barbs should I keep together?
Cherry barbs are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals. A larger group will make them feel more secure and display their natural behavior. Ideally, maintain a ratio of more females than males (e.g., 1 male for every 2-3 females).
Are cherry barbs aggressive?
Generally, cherry barbs are peaceful. Males may show some rivalry among themselves, especially during courtship, but it rarely results in serious harm if there is enough space and females. They do not usually bother other fish, although care should be taken with very timid tank mates or those with long, showy fins.
What do cherry barbs eat?
They are omnivores. Their diet should be varied and include good quality flakes or granules, supplemented with live or frozen foods (such as brine shrimp, daphnia) and plant matter (spirulina, blanched vegetables).
Can cherry barbs coexist with Betta fish or Guppies?
With Guppies, especially those with very long fins, there may be a risk of cherry barbs nipping them, although this is not their usual behavior. With male Bettas, caution is also recommended due to the Betta’s long fins and possible territoriality. In large tanks with many hiding places, coexistence might be possible, but they should always be observed closely.
Are cherry barbs compatible with shrimp?
Adult cherry barbs might prey on small shrimp, especially fry. If you wish to keep them with shrimp, it is better to opt for larger shrimp species and provide plenty of hiding places for the shrimp.
How long do cherry barbs live?
With good care, cherry barbs can live between 4 and 6 years, occasionally reaching up to 7 years.
How to differentiate a male cherry barb from a female?
Males are generally slimmer and develop a much more intense cherry red color, especially during breeding season. Females are more robust, have a paler color (brownish-orange or coppery), and a rounder belly.
Are cherry barbs easy to breed?
Yes, their captive breeding is relatively simple if the right conditions are provided, such as a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants and removing the parents after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Do cherry barbs need a heater in the aquarium?
Yes, they are tropical fish and need a stable water temperature between 22°C and 27°C (72°F – 80°F). An aquarium heater is essential to maintain this constant temperature.
What are the most common diseases in cherry barbs?
They can be susceptible to common aquarium fish diseases like Ich (white spot), Columnaris, and fin rot, especially if water conditions are not optimal. Good water quality and an appropriate diet are key to prevention.
What is the difference between a normal cherry barb, an albino one, and a longfin (veil) one?
- Normal: Intense red coloration in males, paler in females, with standard-sized fins.
- Albino: Creamy white to pale pink body due to a lack of dark pigmentation, with red or pink eyes. Males may still show reddish hues.
- Longfin (Veil): They have noticeably longer and more flowing fins than the standard variety, giving them a more elegant appearance.
Is the cherry barb a good fish for beginners?
Yes, due to their hardiness, generally peaceful nature, and relative ease of care (as long as their basic tank and water requirements are met), the cherry barb is an excellent choice for beginner aquarists.
Conclusion
The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is, without a doubt, a charming species that can bring a lot of color and activity to a well-maintained community aquarium. Its relative ease of care, combined with its beauty and interesting behavior, make it a lasting favorite in the aquar hobby. By providing them with an environment that simulates their natural habitat, a proper diet, and compatible tank mates, you can enjoy these little aquatic rubies for many years.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you succeed in the care and enjoyment of your cherry barbs, ensuring they thrive and display all their splendor in your aquarium.
Bibliographical references
Abeyrathne, P. A. B. P., & Ranatunga, R. A. G. N. (2022). Habitat and Breeding Ground Preferences of the Vulnerable Fish Species Sri Lankan Cherry Barb (Puntius Titteya) According to the Water Quality in Aquatic Habitats in Lowland Wet Zone, Sri Lanka.
Eaton, L., Clezy, K., Snellgrove, D., & Sloman, K. (2016). The behavioural effects of supplementing diets with synthetic and naturally sourced astaxanthin in an ornamental fish (Puntius titteya). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 182, 94-100.
Edmond Adam. 2022. Cherry Barb: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size And Disease. The Aquarium Guide
Fukuda, S., & Karino, K. (2014). Male red coloration, female mate preference, and sperm longevity in the cyprinid fish Puntius titteya. Environmental biology of fishes, 97, 1197-1205.
Kortmulder, K., & van der Wiele, P. (2023). Feeding behaviour, species associations and natural diets of 10 Cyprinid fish species from South-West Sri Lanka. bioRxiv, 2023-07.
Mieno, A., & Karino, K. (2019). Male Mate Preference for Female Coloration in a Cyprinid Fish, Puntius titteya. Zoological science, 36(6), 504-510.
Sanders Jessie. 2021. Cherry Barb: Fish Species Profile. The Spruce Pets.
Sheppard Millie. 2022. Cherry Barb 101: Care, Tank Mates, Diet, Breeding & More, Aquarium Source.
Sudasinghe, H., Rüber, L., & Meegaskumbura, M. (2023). Molecular phylogeny and systematics of the South Asian freshwater-fish genus Puntius (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zoologica Scripta, 52(6), 571-587. https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12618
Tidswell, B. K., & Tytell, E. D. (2025). Different functions for the lateral line in schooling behavior in three fish species. bioRxiv, 2025-01.
Wikipedia. 2023. Cherry barb
Woods Robert. 2022. Cherry Barb Care Guide & Species Profile. FishKeeping World.
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
