Cherry Barb Care Guide 2025: The Complete Aquarium Companion

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is among the most sought-after freshwater aquarium fish. Their vibrant red hues, friendly demeanor, and simplicity of care make them an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned aquarists.

Searching for a beautiful and low-maintenance fish? Cherry Barbs are the ideal member of your aquarium! Learn about their care, diet, breeding, and tank setup in this comprehensive 2025 guide.

Cherry Barb Bio Table

Category	Details
Scientific Name	Puntius titteya
Common Name	Cherry Barb
Family	Cyprinidae
Origin	Sri Lanka
Size	1.5 – 2 inches
Lifespan	4 – 6 years
Tank Size	Minimum 20 gallons
Temperament	Peaceful, Social
Water Parameters	pH 6.0 – 7.5, 72-81°F
Diet	Omnivorous
Tank Level	Mid-level Swimmer
Breeding	Egg Scatterer

Social Behavior of Cherry Barb

Cherry Barbs are schooling fish and prefer to be in groups since they feel safest in such an environment. Housing them in a group of at least 6 or more will make them show their natural behavior.

How They Behave in a Tank:

• Active swimmers, predominantly taking up the mid-level of the tank.
• Males turn deep red in color when fighting over females.
• They coexist well with other peaceful fish.
• They might chase one another at times, but it’s mostly harmless.

Best Tank Mates for Cherry Barbs

As Cherry Barbs are peaceful, they coexist well with similar-sized, non-aggressive fish. Some good tank mates include:

Good Tank Mates:

• Neon Tetras (e.g Gold Neon Tetra, ) – Small and peaceful
• Harlequin Rasboras (like Galaxy Koi Betta, Koi Betta fish) – Same behavior and size
• Guppies – Peaceful and low maintenance
• Corydoras Catfish – Assist in keeping the tank clean
• Dwarf Gouramis – Peaceful and colorful
• Snails & Shrimp – Ideal for algae control

Tank Mates to Avoid:

• Betta Fish – Can become aggressive
• Tiger Barbs (e.g Fancy Pleco, Snowball Pleco, German Blue Rams) – Fin-nippers
• Cichlids – Too aggressive
• Goldfish – Need different water conditions
• Large Predatory Fish – Will eat Cherry Barbs

Water Parameters for Cherry Barbs

Stable water conditions are important for the health of Cherry Barb. Here’s what they require:

Parameter

• Temperature: 72-81°F (22-27°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 – 7.5

Water Hardness

• Soft to medium: (4-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (toxic in any quantity)
• Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm

Tank Maintenance Tips:

• Change 25% of the water weekly.
• Use a filter to maintain clean water.
• Keep the tank highly planted to replicate their natural surroundings.
• Monitor water parameters regularly with a test kit.

Diet & Feeding

Cherry Barbs are omnivorous and consume both plant and meaty foods.

What to Feed Cherry Barbs:

• High-quality flakes & pellets – For overall nutrition
• Live/Frozen foods – Bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp for protein
• Vegetables – Blanched spinach, cucumber, and zucchini
• Algae Wafers – To aid plant-based nutrition
• Feed them twice daily and only provide what they can consume in two minutes.

Breeding Cherry Barbs

Cherry Barbs are egg scatterers, which means they scatter eggs among plants with no parental care.

How to Breed Cherry Barbs:

• Create a breeding tank (10-15 gallons) with soft water and fine-leaved plants.
• Add a healthy pair – The male will become bright red.
• Eggs are spawned and fertilized – Up to 200 eggs per spawn.
• Take out the parents – They might eat the eggs.
• Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours – Feed fry baby brine shrimp.

Common Health Problems & Prevention

Cherry Barbs are robust, but they will become ill if water quality is bad. Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya) are peaceful and robust fish, but they can develop some health problems if not well taken care of. Some common diseases, their symptoms, and prevention are listed below.

1. Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms:

• Small white spots on the body and fins
• Rubbing against objects (flashing)
• Loss of appetite and lethargy

Prevention:

• Keep stable water parameters (72-80°F, pH 6.0-7.5)
• Quarantine new fish for a minimum of 2 weeks
• Increase water temperature to 82°F if Ich shows up (with aeration)

2. Fin Rot

Symptoms:

• Torn or colored fins (black, white, or red edges)
• Fins look torn or rotting
• Fish becomes sluggish

Prevention:

• Maintain water clean and well-filtered
• Avoid overcrowding to minimize stress
• Treat bacterial infections promptly with medications such as API Fin & Body Cure

3. Velvet Disease

Symptoms:

• Fish looks like it is covered in gold or rust-colored dust
• Clamped fins and fast breathing
• Scratching on decorations

Prevention:

• Maintain a good quality of water and avoid sudden changes in parameters
• Quarantine the new fish prior to introducing it to the main tank
• Utilize copper-based medications in case of infection

4. Dropsy

Symptoms:

• Bloated belly with pinecone-like scales protruding
• Loss of appetite and labored swimming

Prevention:

• Provide a balanced diet to avert internal infection
• Maintain clean water and low nitrate levels
• Sick fish to be isolated and antibacterial medication such as Kanaplex applied

5. Fungal Infections

Symptoms:

• White, cottony patches on body or fins
• Fish becomes lethargic and refuses to eat

Prevention:

• Maintain good water hygiene and take away uneaten food
• Employ antifungal treatments such as Pimafix if needed
• Prevent injuries by giving smooth decorations

Tip: Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank.

Conclusion

Cherry Barbs are an excellent choice for aquarium hobbyists of all levels. Their vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and hardiness make them an attractive addition to community tanks. Maintenance of the right water parameters, a balanced diet, and compatible tank inhabitants will guarantee that they live on and on.

Their schooling makes them comfortable with crowds and prefers to be in a well-planted tank that replicates their natural habitat. Keeping them is worthwhile if you install a different breeding tank.

Maintaining clean water and a stable environment is crucial to keeping your Cherry Barbs healthy and active. With proper care, these fish can live up to 6 years, bringing beauty and life to your aquarium. By following this guide, you’ll ensure your Cherry Barbs remain happy, healthy, and thriving in 2025 and beyond!

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