Shrimp
Fish
Crab &
Plants
Foods
Snails
Cherry Barbs – Peaceful Red Community Fish (Beginner Friendly Aquarium Fish)
$4.99
In stock
SKU
Cherry Barbs
Cherry Barbs are one of the best beginner fish for peaceful community aquariums. Their bright red color, easy care, and calm temperament make them perfect for planted tanks and mixed species setups.
✔ Peaceful community fish (won’t nip like other barbs)
✔ Beginner-friendly and very hardy
✔ Bright red coloration (males especially vibrant)
✔ Great for planted aquariums
✔ Compatible with shrimp, tetras, rasboras, and corydoras
Cherry barbs are small freshwater fish that grow to about 2 inches and thrive in groups, making them ideal for community aquariums. Cherry Barb are known for their calm temperament and are often recommended for beginners due to their hardiness and ease of care.
They do best in schools of at least 6 fish and display their best color and behavior in planted tanks with plenty of cover.
BACKED BY THE SHRIMP FARM'S LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE!
Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya) enliven freshwater aquariums with their bright red bodies and playful, active schooling behavior. Unlike many small fish, they are peaceful, resilient, and easy to care for, thriving in diverse freshwater conditions. Their social nature encourages natural swimming patterns, making them an engaging addition to planted or community tanks. Perfect for groups, Cherry Barbs provide movement, visual interest, and a lively focal point in your aquarium. Use them to introduce color, activity, and harmony to your setup while supporting a balanced and healthy aquatic environment for all your fish and invertebrates.
Why Choose Cherry Barbs?
-
Small, colorful freshwater fish with vibrant red hues, especially in males
-
Peaceful and social species that thrives in small schools
-
Hardy and adaptable, ideal for beginner and intermediate aquarists
-
Adds dynamic movement and visual interest to mid-level aquarium spaces
-
Compatible with most peaceful community fish and live plants
-
Active swimmers that encourage a lively and natural aquarium environment
-
Easy to care for with minimal maintenance requirements
-
Small size allows them to inhabit medium and larger tanks comfortably
-
Supports a balanced ecosystem while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the aquarium
-
Can coexist with small invertebrates like shrimp without causing harm
Feeding & Tank Requirements
-
Omnivorous diet: feed high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional frozen or live foods
-
Maintain water temperature between 74–79°F (23–26°C) for optimal health
-
Preferred pH range: 6.0–7.5 with soft to moderately hard water
-
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons for a small school of three
-
Provide live plants, rocks, or décor for hiding and natural behavior
-
Moderate filtration recommended to maintain water quality without strong currents
-
Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) support health and vitality
-
Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping tank mates
-
Low to moderate lighting supports plant growth and fish activity
-
Include shaded areas or floating plants to reduce stress
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Species |
Puntius Titteya (Cherry Barb) |
|
Quantity |
Group of three |
|
Size |
1.5–2 inches (adult) |
|
Water Type |
Freshwater |
|
Temperature Range |
74–79°F (23–26°C) |
|
pH Range |
6.0–7.5 |
|
Diet |
Omnivorous (flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods) |
|
Lifespan |
3–5 years |
|
Temperament |
Peaceful, social |
|
Tank Size |
Minimum 20 gallons |
|
Compatibility |
Peaceful fish, small invertebrates |
|
Breeding |
Egg layers; can breed in well-maintained community tanks |
Q: Are Cherry Barbs safe for community aquariums?
A: Yes, they are peaceful schooling fish that coexist well with other small, non-aggressive species and live plants in a community tank.
Q: How many Cherry Barbs should be kept together?
A: They thrive in groups of SIX or more, promoting natural schooling behavior, reducing stress, and encouraging active and confident fish.
Q: What do Cherry Barbs eat?
A: They are omnivorous, feeding on high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional frozen or live foods, while also foraging around the tank naturally.
Q: Do Cherry Barbs require specific water parameters?
A: Yes, they prefer soft to moderately hard water, pH 6.0–7.5, and temperatures of 74–79°F to maintain healthy coloration, behavior, and overall well-being.
Q: Can they live in planted tanks?
A: Yes, they thrive in planted aquariums, using vegetation for shelter and natural behavior while moving actively through mid-level swimming areas.
Q: Do they need hiding places?
A: Yes, plants, rocks, and décor provide security, reduce stress, and allow Cherry Barbs to display natural behaviors in a comfortable environment.
Q: How do I prevent stress in Cherry Barbs?
A: Maintain stable water parameters, provide adequate hiding spots, avoid aggressive tank mates, and feed consistently to ensure healthy, active, and stress-free fish.
Q: Can they help keep the tank clean?
A: They scavenge small food particles from mid-level swimming areas, contributing slightly to cleanliness while promoting natural foraging behavior.
Q: Are Cherry Barbs difficult to care for?
A: No, they are hardy and low-maintenance, requiring only stable water conditions, proper diet, and a well-planted environment.
Q: How long do Cherry Barbs live?
A: With proper care, they live 3–5 years, providing long-term activity and color in community aquariums.
Q: Can they breed easily in home tanks?
A: Yes, they are egg layers and can breed in well-maintained, planted aquariums if water conditions are stable and group dynamics are favorable.
Q: Can Cherry Barbs coexist with shrimp or other small fish?
A: Yes, they are compatible with peaceful shrimp and small fish, cohabiting without aggression while adding color and activity to the aquarium.
Related Products
Login and Registration Form