Cherry Barb

The Cherry Barb is a peaceful, beautiful schooling fish that gets its name from the males' intense cherry-red coloration. Unlike their more aggressive cousins the Tiger Barb, Cherry Barbs are peaceful community fish suitable for almost any community tank. They are smaller (2 inches), more gentle, and lack the fin-nipping behavior that makes Tiger Barbs challenging. Cherry Barbs add a splash of brilliant red color to the mid-level of planted aquariums. They are hardy, easy to care for, and perfect for beginners wanting colorful, peaceful schooling fish. Their vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and easy care make them one of the best barbs for community aquariums. The contrast between red males and lighter females creates beautiful displays in planted tanks.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Cherry Barbs are undemanding:

• Minimum 20 gallons for a school (30+ recommended)
• Hang-on-back or sponge filter
• Heater to maintain 73-81°F
• Dark substrate enhances their red color
• Heavily planted - shows off colors and provides security
• Driftwood and caves for hiding
• Gentle to moderate filtration

Important: Plants make them feel secure and show off their colors beautifully. Dark substrates make red males pop.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 73-81°F (23-27°C)
• pH: 6.0-8.0 (adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (5-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <40 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 20-25% water changes
• Hardy and adaptable
• Good for beginners
• Tolerate various conditions

Feeding

Cherry Barbs are easy to feed:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets as staple
• Frozen foods: daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp
• Live foods: occasional treats
• Vegetables: spirulina flakes

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily, small amounts.

Note: Color-enhancing foods can help males show their best red.

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful, ideal community fish:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Tetras (Cardinal, Neon, Ember)
  • Rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Small gouramis
  • Danios
  • Small shrimp
  • Any peaceful community fish

• Avoid With:

  • Large predatory fish
  • Aggressive cichlids
  • Fin nippers (Tiger Barbs)
  • Goldfish (temperature mismatch)

Behavior: Peaceful schooling, males display to females, active but not boisterous.

Schooling Behavior

Best kept in groups:

• Minimum school: 6 individuals
• Ideal: 8-10+ for best colors and behavior
• Male ratio: 2-3 females per male to spread attention
• Display behavior: Males show intense red and flare fins for females

Tip: More males = more intense red color displays.

Breeding

Easy to breed:

• Egg scatterers
• Spawning: Early morning among fine plants
• Trigger: Slight temperature increase, water changes
• Parental care: None - parents eat eggs
• Breeding setup: Planted tank or spawning mop
• Fry food: Infusoria, then baby brine shrimp

Note: Easy to breed. Eggs are adhesive and stick to plants.

Color Development

Males get intensely red:

• Juveniles: Both sexes look similar, silvery with hints of red
• Males mature: Develop deep cherry-red coloration
• Females: Remain lighter, often yellowish or brownish
• Display: Males get brightest red when courting females
• Factors: Good diet, water quality, and tank conditions enhance color

Health Considerations

Very hardy:

• Ich: Standard treatment works
• Fin rot: Rare with good water quality
• Generally robust: Few health issues

Prevention:

• Maintain good water quality
• Feed varied diet for best colors
• Keep in appropriate school

Size Considerations

Small peaceful fish:

• Adult size: 1.5-2 inches
• Lifespan: 4-6 years

Appearance

Stunning red coloration:

• Males: Deep cherry-red body and fins when mature
• Females: Lighter, yellow-brown or bronze
• Lateral line: Dark stripe running from head to tail
• Fins: Often have black markings
• Shape: Slender, torpedo-shaped
• Shimmer: Red males absolutely glow under good lighting

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 20-25% water changes
• Filter maintenance
• Remove uneaten food
• Prune plants as needed
• Monitor male color intensity (indicator of health)

Tips for Success

• Keep in schools of 6+ for best behavior
• Provide plants to show off colors
• Use dark substrate for best contrast
• Feed color-enhancing foods
• Perfect for peaceful community tanks
• Males display beautiful red when breeding
• Hardy and forgiving for beginners
• Excellent alternative to Tiger Barbs
• Don’t need as large tanks as Rosy Barbs
• Compatible with small shrimp

Comparison to Other Barbs

• Cherry Barb: Peaceful, small (2”), red color, no fin nipping
• Tiger Barb: Aggressive, nippy, striped, needs large schools
• Rosy Barb: Larger (6”), semi-aggressive, less nippy than Tiger
• Cherry best for: Peaceful community tanks

Why Perfect Community Fish

• Peaceful temperament
• Beautiful red coloration
• Small size appropriate for many tanks
• Easy care requirements
• No fin nipping
• Hardy and adaptable
• Compatible with most peaceful fish
• Active but not overwhelming