Cherry Barb Care Guide
Puntius titteya
Cherry Barb hero image
Use a sharp, accurately identified Cherry Barb photo in a natural freshwater aquarium setting.
Key Takeaways
- Cherry Barb needs at least 15 gallons, with 25 gallons preferred.
- Keep water between 22-28°C and pH 6-7.5.
- Keep a group of at least 6 to reduce stress.
Quick Facts
Difficulty: beginner
Min Tank: 15 gallons
Size: 5 cm
Group: 6+
Temperature: 22-28°C
pH: 6-7.5
Temperament: peaceful
Swimming: middle
Diet: omnivore
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Care Overview
Cherry barbs are peaceful schooling fish. Males develop a beautiful cherry-red color. They are much less aggressive than other barb species.
Ideal Tank Setup
Cherry Barb tank setup image
Show the recommended 15+ gallon setup, substrate, hiding spots, and swimming area for Cherry Barb.
A 15+ gallon planted tank with open swimming areas. Keep in groups of 6 or more with a good ratio of females to males. They prefer slightly acidic water.
Diet and Feeding
Omnivores that eat flake food, small pellets, and live or frozen foods. Feed 2 times daily.
Best Tank Mates
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Gouramis
Fish to Avoid
- Very small fish (may be nipped)
- Aggressive species
Common Problems
- Males chasing each other
- Color fading from stress
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using a tank smaller than 15 gallons, which makes water quality harder to keep stable.
- Ignoring adult size, group size, or temperament when choosing tank mates.
- Changing too much water or filter media at once before checking ammonia and nitrite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cherry barbs aggressive?
No. Cherry barbs are one of the most peaceful barb species. Males may display to each other but rarely cause harm.
Related Tools
Sources and Review Process
- Freshwater aquarium husbandry references for water quality, tank size, and stocking guidance.
- Species profiles and compatibility rules maintained in the TankWise data set.
- Aquarium health guidance is educational and should not replace an aquatic veterinarian for severe symptoms.