Cherry Barb
Pethia titteya
About
The cherry barb is a peaceful cyprinid from Sri Lanka, valued for the male’s intense red colour in good condition. Females are duller with a lateral stripe. They are active but gentle compared to many barbs and suit planted community tanks with other peaceful fish. Keep in groups of at least six so they school confidently; subdued lighting and tannins can enhance red tones. Spawning scatters adhesive eggs among fine plants—parents may eat eggs if not separated.
Feeding & Diet
Flake or small granules; frozen daphnia or brine shrimp; occasional vegetable matter; feed little and often for best colour.
Frequency: 1–2× daily
Colour deepens with clean water, varied diet, and in mature males—avoid overcrowding.
Habitat
Native Region: Sri Lanka (forest streams, now rare in wild—tank-bred stock common)
Shaded streams with leaf litter and submerged vegetation.
Planted tank with swimming lanes; dark substrate can make reds pop; gentle flow.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Schooling Size: 6+ recommended
Mid- to lower-water shoaling; rarely nips fins; good dither fish for shy species.
Breeding
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Egg scatterer
Sexual Dimorphism: Males bright red when in breeding condition; females more bronze with a dark lateral stripe.
Spawns in dense planting; separate adults after eggs are laid; soft, slightly acidic water helps.
Tank Setup
Substrate: Either
Plant Safe: Yes
Fine-leaved plants for spawning interest; floating plants for shade.
Your tanks
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Care Requirements
Similar Barb Fish
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