Cherry Barb Puntius titteya

Grows to: 2"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy and peaceful fish suitable for beginners.

How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 4 or more.  Six or more is best.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  Their natural environment is heavily shaded, shallow and calm water.  They look best with a dark substrate.  They swim in the mid region of the tank.  They enjoy a calm water current.  Minimum tank size is about 10 gallons. (Temperature- 74-80),  (pH 6.5-7.5)

Tank mates:  They are peaceful fish that should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. 

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  Cherry barbs will show their best color after you have owned them for a few months and have given them a good diet.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Sri Lanka.  They have been introduced to Mexico and Columbia.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Male is a deep red color while females are a lighter color and may have fins that are yellow.

Color varieties: Albino Cherry Barb

See also:  Barbs