Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size2"
Minimum tank20 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group6+
- temperature72-80F
- pH6-7.8
- water_hardnessGH 4-15 dGH | KH 2-8 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilitybeginner
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Cherry Barb, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the middlebottom zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesPeaceful, easy-going small barb; one of the calmer barbs and a fine planted-community choice.
- caveatKeep a group of 6 or more so cherry barbs settle and show color; small groups stress and hide.
- caveatBest in planted tanks with cover — open, sparse layouts make them shy and washed-out.
- caveatMature males may flare and spar in front of females; this is normal display and rarely causes lasting damage in a balanced group, but watch for sustained chasing in cramped tanks.
- caveatAvoid large predatory tankmates and don't pair with consistently aggressive species; cherry barbs are easy to outcompete at feeding.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Cherry Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ghost Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Crystal Red Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Blue Dream Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Orange Sakura Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Black Rose Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->