Product Details

Cherry Barb – Rohanella titteya

The Cherry Barb is a peaceful, small barb best known for the deep red colour shown by mature males. Still widely sold under the older name Puntius titteya, this Sri Lankan species is calmer and less nippy than many other barbs, making it a very good choice for planted community aquariums. Kept in a proper group with shaded cover and clean water, Cherry Barbs are hardy, attractive and active without being overly boisterous.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Cherry Barb
Other Names: Red Cherry Barb, Sri Lanka Cherry Barb, Cherry Red Barb
Scientific Name: Rohanella titteya
Older / Trade Name: Puntius titteya
Fish Type: Barb / Cyprinid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Rohanella titteya is native to Sri Lanka, where it occurs in western and south-western river basins. Wild Cherry Barbs are associated with heavily shaded streams and rivulets, usually in shallow, slow-flowing water with silt, leaf litter and marginal vegetation.

In the aquarium, this species does best in a mature planted setup with shaded areas, darker décor, gentle to moderate flow and open swimming space. Wood, leaf litter, plants and floating cover help create a calm environment and bring out the best colour.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Cherry Barbs have a slim, laterally compressed body with a dark horizontal stripe running from the snout towards the tail. Males develop strong cherry-red to deep crimson colouration, especially when mature or displaying, while females are usually fuller-bodied with softer bronze, tan or pinkish tones.

Adults usually reach around 4–5 cm. Males are typically slimmer and brighter, while females are rounder and less intensely red.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent fish for peaceful planted community aquariums, small barb displays and calm tropical setups. Cherry Barbs are far less troublesome than many larger or more boisterous barbs, but they still need a group and should not be kept singly.

They are not suitable for aggressive cichlid tanks, predator communities, tiny unfiltered tanks or aquariums with very large fish that may eat them. Long-finned varieties, where available, should be kept away from fin-nipping tank mates.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a small group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums of 75–90 litres or more are better for bigger groups and mixed communities.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8–10 or more preferred. A mixed group with more females than males can reduce persistent male attention and encourage natural display behaviour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Cherry Barbs are adaptable once settled, but they should be kept in clean, stable water. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness. They show best colour in mature planted aquariums with shaded areas and low stress.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Cherry Barbs are peaceful community fish. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, other calm barbs, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs, honey gouramis and dwarf cichlids with care.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, severe fin-nippers and very boisterous fish that may intimidate them. Cherry Barbs should not be kept singly or in pairs, as group life improves confidence, colour and natural behaviour.

Feeding:

Cherry Barbs are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small granules or micro pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and small bloodworm. Vegetable-based or spirulina foods can also be included.

A varied diet helps maintain strong red colour in males and good overall condition. Feed small portions that are eaten quickly.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

Cherry Barbs usually swim through the middle and lower areas of the aquarium, moving between plant cover and open water. They do not always form a tight shoal, but they remain social and interact frequently within the group. Males may display to females and rival males, becoming brighter red when settled and in good condition.

They are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. Spawning may occur among fine plants, moss or marginal plant cover, but eggs and fry are usually eaten in a community aquarium unless protected.

Care Notes:

Add Cherry Barbs only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide plants, shaded areas and open swimming space. Keep them in a proper group and avoid rough tank mates. Regular water changes, stable water quality and a varied diet will support colour and long-term health.

This is one of the best beginner-friendly barbs for peaceful community aquariums, but it should still be sold as a social shoaling fish rather than a single display fish.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / Usually captive-bred or farmed

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, red colour, stripe intensity, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.