How big does Cherry Barb get?

Cherry Barb reaches an adult standard length of 4–5 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Cherry Barb need?

23–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Cherry Barb?

At least 60 L, and no shorter than 60 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.

What is Cherry Barb like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the middle and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 15Freshwater

Cherry Barb樱桃灯

Pethia titteya · Cyprinidae

The gentlest of the barbs, whose males turn brick red when in condition.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 15 · Cherry Barb Pethia titteya

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 樱桃灯
Scientific name: Pethia titteya
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Sri Lanka, South Asia
Adult size: 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Water level: Middle
Level: Beginner
School size: ≥ 6
Min. tank: 60 L
Min. length: 60 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.23–27 °C

pH6–7.5

Hardness2–12 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Among the gentlest barbs, well suited to tanks with tetras and corydoras.
2Soft, acidic water and dark substrate clearly intensify the male red.
3Keep six or more, with wood and moss for cover to keep them relaxed.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Cherry Barb get?: Cherry Barb reaches an adult standard length of 4–5 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Cherry Barb need?: 23–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Cherry Barb?: At least 60 L, and no shorter than 60 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.
What is Cherry Barb like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the middle and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".