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Cherry Barb
SKU TN01
$4.95
4 payments of $1.24 with
Price incl. GST (15%) $0.65
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Dunedin 105 Cumberland Street
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Cherry Barb
Product Details
Cherry Barb: A Splash of Color and Tranquility
The Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Sri Lanka. Highly prized for its striking red coloration, especially in males, and its peaceful demeanor, it's a popular choice for community aquariums. Its relatively small size and active yet non-aggressive nature make it an excellent addition for aquarists looking to add a lively splash of color without overwhelming their tank.
Males exhibit a brilliant cherry-red color, particularly when in breeding condition or displaying. Females are generally more subdued, with an orange-brown body and a reddish tint to their fins. Both sexes feature a distinctive horizontal black stripe running along their flanks. Their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies and active schooling behavior add dynamic movement to any aquarium.
Care Level: Easy
Cherry Barbs are considered an easy-to-care-for species, making them suitable for beginner and intermediate aquarists. They are relatively hardy and tolerant of a range of water conditions, provided basic aquarium maintenance practices are followed.
Temperament: Peaceful and Community-Oriented
Cherry Barbs are known for their peaceful and shy nature. They are schooling fish and feel most comfortable and display their best colors when kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals, preferably more. A larger school helps to reduce their shyness and makes them more confident. They are excellent candidates for a community tank and can be safely housed with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as:
- Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras)
- Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasboras)
- Corydoras Catfish
- Small peaceful Loricariids (e.g., Otocinclus)
- Other peaceful dwarf cichlids (e.g., Dwarf Gourami)
Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species, as their flowing fins could be targets.
Diet: Omnivore
Cherry Barbs are omnivores and are generally not picky eaters. A high-quality flake or micro-pellet food should form the staple of their diet. To provide a balanced nutritional intake and enhance their coloration, supplement with:
- Live or Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are excellent protein sources and provide enrichment.
- Vegetable Matter: Spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber, shelled peas) can be offered occasionally.
Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily, only what they can consume within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues.
Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 22-27°C (72-81°F). They are tropical fish and require stable, warm water.
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal).
- Water Hardness: 5-19 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
- Filtration: A good quality filter (e.g., hang-on-back or internal filter) is essential to maintain clean water. Cherry Barbs prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a moderate flow.
- Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (25% weekly or bi-weekly) are crucial to remove nitrates and maintain stable water parameters.
Max Size: Up to 5 cm (2 inches)
Cherry Barbs remain relatively small, making them a good choice for smaller to medium-sized aquariums.
Minimum Tank Size: 40 Litres (approx. 10 US Gallons) for a small school (6-8 individuals)
While small, their schooling nature means they require adequate space to swim and feel secure. A 40-liter tank is a good starting point for a small group. For larger schools or a more diverse community tank, a 60-liter (15 US Gallons) or larger aquarium is highly recommended. Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots among vegetation, as this helps them feel secure and display their best colors. Open swimming space in the middle is also appreciated.
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