Description
Vail Tail 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.
