The Cherry Barb is a popular freshwater fish known for its bright red coloration and peaceful nature.
Ideal for community tanks, these hardy fish are easy to care for and add a splash of vibrant color to any aquarium.
| Aspect | Details |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Aggressiveness | Peaceful |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Life Span | 5-7 years |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Size | 2 inches |
| Compatibility | Compatible with peaceful species |
| Temperament | Active and social |
Tank Setup for Cherry Barb
Tank Size and Environment
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Tank Shape: Long tanks are preferable to give them plenty of swimming space.
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand, preferably dark to enhance their colors.
- Plants: Dense planting with live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne to provide hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat.
- Decorations: Driftwood and rocks to create hiding spots and add to the natural feel.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting to support plant growth without causing stress.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 74-79°F (23-26°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Filtration: A gentle filter to maintain clean water without creating strong currents.
- Water Changes: Regular weekly water changes of 20-25% to maintain water quality.
Additional Tips
- Cover: Ensure the tank has a secure lid, as Cherry Barbs may jump.
- Tank Mates: Suitable tank mates include other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras catfish.
- Schooling: Keep Cherry Barbs in groups of at least 6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Feeding Cherry Barb
Diet
- Omnivorous: Cherry Barbs are not picky eaters and thrive on a varied diet.
- Flake Food: High-quality flake food serves as a staple.
- Pellets: Small sinking pellets are also suitable.
- Live Foods: Include brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms for added protein and to stimulate natural hunting behaviors.
- Frozen Foods: Frozen versions of brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are convenient alternatives to live foods.
- Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and peas can be given occasionally for variety.
Feeding Frequency
- Twice Daily: Feed them small amounts twice a day to ensure they get enough nutrition without overfeeding.
- Portion Size: Only provide what they can consume in about 2-3 minutes to avoid uneaten food polluting the tank.
Tips for Feeding
- Variety: Rotate between different types of food to ensure a balanced diet and to keep them interested.
- Supplement: Occasionally supplement their diet with vitamin-enriched foods to promote vibrant colors and overall health.
- Observation: Watch them during feeding to ensure all fish are eating, and no individual is being bullied away from food.
Breeding Cherry Barb
Preparation
- Separate Breeding Tank: Set up a separate breeding tank of at least 10 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.5-7.0) and a temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C).
- Tank Setup: Provide fine-leaved plants like Java moss or spawning mops for egg-laying. A gentle sponge filter is recommended to avoid disturbing the eggs.
- Conditioning: Condition the breeding pair by feeding them high-quality live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, for about one to two weeks before breeding.
Breeding Process
- Introduce the Pair: Place a well-conditioned male and female into the breeding tank in the evening.
- Spawning Behavior: Spawning usually occurs in the morning. The male will display vibrant colors and court the female by swimming around her.
- Egg Laying: The female will lay adhesive eggs on plants or substrate, which the male will then fertilize. Each spawning can result in 200-300 eggs.
Post-Spawning Care
- Remove Adults: Remove the adult fish from the breeding tank after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Incubation Period: Eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours.
Fry Care
- Feeding Fry: Once the fry are free-swimming, feed them infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few days. As they grow, introduce finely crushed flake food and baby brine shrimp.
- Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality by performing regular water changes and using a gentle sponge filter to avoid harming the fry.
Best tank mates for Cherry Barb ?
- Neon Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Corydoras Catfish
- Zebra Danio
- Honey Gourami
- Ember Tetra
- Black Skirt Tetra
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Kuhli Loach
- Dwarf Gourami
FAQs
Can barbs live with tetras?
Yes, barbs can live with tetras as both are peaceful and compatible tank mates.
Do cherry barbs like light?
Cherry barbs prefer moderate lighting to avoid stress and to support plant growth.
Is cherry barb aggressive?
No, cherry barbs are peaceful and suitable for community tanks.
Do cherry barbs eat their eggs?
Yes, cherry barbs may eat their eggs, so it’s best to remove adults after spawning.
Do cherry barbs need live plants?
While not necessary, live plants provide hiding spots and a natural environment for cherry barbs.
Are barbs easy to breed?
Yes, barbs, including cherry barbs, are relatively easy to breed with proper conditions.
Can barbs live with goldfish?
No, barbs and goldfish have different temperature and care requirements, making them incompatible.
How to tell if cherry barb is pregnant?
A gravid (pregnant) female cherry barb will have a noticeably rounder and fuller belly.
Can barbs live with angelfish?
It’s not recommended as barbs can nip at the long fins of angelfish, causing stress and potential injury.