Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
Barbs often get a bad reputation because of their boisterous, fin-nipping behavior, but cherry barbs are an exception to the rule. This schooling fish acts like your average, mild-mannered tetra and mixes well with other community fish. They are commonly sold at pet stores because of their vivid redness, energetic personality, and ease of breeding.
Basic Information
| Common Name | Cherry Barb |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya |
| Origin | Sri Lanka |
| Maximum Size | 2″ |
Tank Parameters
- Size: 10 Gallon+
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- Temperature: 72-80°F
Temperament
Peaceful
Breeding: Easy
Difficulty: Easy
All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual product may vary due to natural variation with live stock.
FAQ
Are cherry barbs aggressive towards other fish?
No, cherry barbs are generally peaceful and do not nip fins. They are known to coexist well with other community fish.
How many cherry barbs should I keep in a tank?
Cherry barbs are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to ensure natural behavior and reduce stress.
Do cherry barbs require special water conditions?
They thrive in a stable environment with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 and a temperature range of 72-80°F. A 10-gallon tank or larger is recommended.

Madeleine Hemmings –
I bought a group of cherry barbs for my 10-gallon community tank. They are very active and colorful, and they don’t bother other fish. Easy to care for and breed. Great addition to a peaceful aquarium.
Jason North –
The fish arrived healthy and vibrant. They’ve been in the tank for two months and are still active and happy. I love their red color and how they swim together in schools.
Matt Rees –
They are peaceful and fit well with my tetras and guppies. A bit shy at first, but after a week they started swimming together. Not the most active fish, but they look nice.
Karen Chapman –
Easy to maintain and very easy to breed. I’ve had them for three months and they’re still doing well. Perfect for beginners looking for a lively, colorful fish.