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Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A deep-red little barb that's nothing like its rowdy cousins — shy, peaceful, and gorgeous in a planted tank.
2 in4–6 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal minimum · schools of 6+
Temperature
72–78°F
Humidity / Water
Freshwater · pH 6.0–7.0
Heating & lighting
Gentle heater; dim lighting, dark substrate and dense plants bring out the males' cherry-red color.
Diet
Feed these
- Micro pellets
- Flake food
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Blanched vegetables
Never feed
- Tiger barb tank mates — too rowdy
- Bright bare tanks (stress fades their red)
- Large pellets
Small pinches twice a day. Males turn intense red when settled; females stay more bronze.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Neon tetras Harlequin rasboras Corydoras catfish Rummynose tetras Other cherry barbs — schools of 6+
Never house with
Tiger barbs — different temperament Oscar — eaten Betta — nipping risk in small tanks
Unlike most barbs they're calm and shy — perfect nano community fish in groups of six or more.
