Description

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Puntius titteya

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Sri Lanka

• Size: 1.5 – 2 inches (3.5 – 5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years

• Tank Zone: Mid & bottom dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Males turn bright red, females stay lighter brown-red.

• Peaceful, active, and shy if kept alone.

• Schooling fish – look best in groups.

• Hardy and beginner-friendly species.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous.

• Diet: Flake food, micro pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, blanched spinach.

• Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (for a group).

• Filtration: Gentle filter with good circulation.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, hiding spots, dark substrate to bring out colors.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 6 (more is better).

• Tank Mates: Guppies, Tetras, Corydoras, Rasboras, Shrimp, peaceful Gouramis.

• Avoid: Aggressive or large predatory fish.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in schools for natural behavior.

• Provide live plants and hiding spots.

• Offer a varied diet for bright colors.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in very small tanks.

• Don’t mix with fin-nippers or aggressive fish.

• Don’t keep too few – they get stressed.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Perfect for planted community tanks.

• Males show brighter red when kept in groups with females.

• Hardy, peaceful, and great for beginners.