Male Cherry

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Puntius titteya
• Common Names: Cherry Barb, Red Cherry Barb
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to the freshwater streams and ponds of Sri Lanka.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Male Cherry Barbs are known for their striking bright red or deep cherry color, especially when in breeding condition. They have a lighter underbelly and may exhibit some darker vertical stripes along their bodies.
• Size: Males typically grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length, making them relatively small fish.
• Body Shape: Cherry Barbs have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body that is laterally compressed, allowing them to swim gracefully.
• Fins: Their fins are generally clear or slightly tinted, with a subtle red hue, particularly noticeable during breeding displays.

Behavior

• Temperament: Male Cherry Barbs are generally peaceful and sociable fish, making them suitable for community tanks. They can be shy at times, especially in smaller groups.
• Social Structure: They thrive in schools, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals. This promotes natural behavior and reduces stress.
• Activity Level: These fish are moderately active swimmers, often seen darting around the tank or foraging for food.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Cherry Barbs inhabit freshwater environments, including slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds with dense vegetation.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots using plants, driftwood, or rocks. A sandy or fine gravel substrate works well, and ensure there is open swimming space.

Diet

• Feeding: Male Cherry Barbs are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake food, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and occasional live foods (such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Male Cherry Barbs are egg scatterers. They do not exhibit parental care, and the eggs are typically scattered among plants in the breeding tank.
• Nesting: To breed them successfully, provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants where the female can scatter her eggs.
• Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch (usually within 24 to 36 hours), the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they grow large enough for larger foods.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 15 gallons is recommended for a small group of Cherry Barbs.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: Good filtration is essential to maintain water quality, as Cherry Barbs are sensitive to poor conditions. Regular water changes are also necessary.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Male Cherry Barbs can coexist with various community fish, including tetras, rasboras, danios, and other small, peaceful fish. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species or larger fish that may intimidate them.
• Behavior with Others: While generally peaceful, males can become territorial during breeding or if kept in overcrowded conditions. Providing ample space and hiding spots can help mitigate aggression.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, male Cherry Barbs can live for about 5 to 7 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Male Cherry Barbs are particularly known for their vibrant coloration, which can become more intense during breeding displays.
• They are an excellent choice for beginner aquarists due to their hardy nature and adaptability to various water conditions.