The cherry barb is one of the most popular fish for freshwater aquariums because they are undemanding and remain small in size. Cherry barbs are very easy to care for and tend to do well in relatively small tanks.
As an aquarist, I like cherry barbs because they are easy to care for and beautiful. However, I personally will not buy or keep cherry barbs because of my concerns regarding their status as a threatened species. If you decide to keep cherry barbs, seek fish that have been bred in captivity and provide them with good care.
Adult Size
Cherry barbs grow to 1.5-2 inches in length.
Tank Size
Because of the cherry barb's small size and forgiving nature, it can thrive in a relatively small tank. A tank of 5 gallons or larger may accommodate a small school of these undemanding fish.
Social Behavior
Cherry barbs are more active when they are kept in schools. A male-female pair can suffice in a small tank, but they really do best in groups of 5 or more.
Tank Mates
Cherry barbs are peaceful; they can live with almost any non-predatory fish. Do not keep them with any fish large enough to eat them, and avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish. They may nip Betta's' fins.
Life Span
Well-kept cherry barbs will live 5-7 years in captivity.
Diet
Cherry barbs are true omnivores. They will accept live, frozen or flake food. Offer brine shrimp as an occasional treat.
Breeding
Cherry barbs will breed in home aquaria. They attach their eggs to fine-leaved plants using a stringy, weblike material. Males become darker and more intensely colored when they are ready to breed. Remove the parents promptly; they will eat their own eggs.
Water Parameters
A cherry barb can tolerate any pH between 6-8; they are reasonably forgiving of pH fluctuations. Keep nitrates below 25 ppm and ammonia levels as low as possible.
Temperature
Cherry barbs are tropical, but they may be able to live without a heater if your home stays relatively warm. Keep your aquarium temperature between 71-82 degrees.
Variations
There are no notable, domesticated strains of cherry barb available for the aquarium trade.
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