Cherry Barb

General information

These fish are torpedo shaped and have two dark stripes, males have a cherry color while females only have some tints of red on their fins. These fish can reach 2 inches. To keep these fish in captivity, water pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 and water temperature should range from 73ºF to 80.5ºF. The tank should have dense vegetation, driftwood roots, open swimming areas and a dark substrate. This species can be kept in a community tank, its tankmates should be cyprinids, tetras, livebearers and other fish of the same size. It should be kept in groups of at least 6.

This species is omnivorous. In captivity, it can be fed with pellets, flakes, brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Mature males are smaller, slimmer and more colorful than females.

During breeding the male’s coloration becomes more intense. These fish spawn in areas of dense vegetation and will lay about 200 eggs, if the eggs aren’t separated from the adults they may get eaten. The eggs hatch after 1 or 2 days and the fry become free swimming after 2 more days.

This species can be found in Sri Lanka.