Long Fin Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

Common Name

Cherry Barb long fin
(The long fin trait is a selectively bred aquarium form and does not occur in the wild. Care and behavior are identical to standard Cherry Barb.)

Origin and Habitat

Endemic to Sri Lanka, where remnant wild populations inhabit shaded forest streams and lowland tributaries. Water is slow to moderate in flow, warm, and very clear or lightly tea-stained from leaf litter. Substrates consist of fine sand and silt with scattered roots, branches, and dense marginal vegetation. Overhanging trees and floating plants create dim, dappled light and safe cover.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Practical range: 23–27 °C (73–81 °F). Wild and husbandry reports show pH near neutral to slightly acidic (commonly 6.0–7.2) with soft to moderate hardness. Stability, good oxygenation, and very low nitrogen waste are far more important than exact values—do not chase or alter parameters except for special breeding projects.

Appearance and Size

Males display rich cherry-red coloration with a darker mid-lateral stripe, especially when well-conditioned. Females are lighter brown to copper with a warm belly and clearer stripe. The long-fin strain develops gracefully extended dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, most dramatic in mature males. Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in).

Diet in the Wild

Omnivorous micropredator that feeds on tiny aquatic insects, larvae, microcrustaceans (copepods, cladocerans), and occasional algae or biofilm.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer a varied small-particle diet. Use high-quality micro-pellets or fine flakes as the staple. Rotate in live or frozen daphnia, cyclops, and newly hatched baby brine shrimp for condition and color enhancement. Include some spirulina-based foods for plant content. Feed two to three small portions daily so food is consumed quickly and does not pollute the water.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful, active shoaling species that feels most secure in groups.

• Minimum group: 6 specimens; larger schools show better color and natural behavior
• Planted tank with open swimming lanes
• Dark sand or fine gravel, driftwood, and leaf litter
• Floating plants to soften light and encourage male displays
• Gentle to moderate flow to protect long fins

Ideal companions: small rasboras, danios, peaceful dwarf gouramis, Corydoras, otocinclus, and most Neocaridina shrimp. Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive species.

Breeding

Cherry Barbs are egg-scatterers that spawn in the early morning among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition with frequent small feedings of live/frozen micro-foods and slightly warmer, pristine water.

• Provide dense fine-leaved plants, yarn mops, or a mesh/marble layer so eggs fall out of reach
• Adults show no parental care and will eat eggs—remove parents after spawning or lift mops to a separate container
• Eggs hatch in 1–2 days; fry become free-swimming a few days later
• Start with infusoria or commercial fry powder → vinegar eels/microworms → newly hatched brine shrimp

Dense moss, rock piles, and coarse gravel pockets offer extra protection and first-food surfaces for fry.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Puntius titteya
• Trade name: Cherry Barb long fin
• Origin: Sri Lanka forest streams and lowland tributaries
• Size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)
• Temperature: 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
• pH: 6.0–7.2 common; stability more important than exact value
• Temperament: Peaceful shoaler
• Diet: Omnivore—prefers small live foods and fine prepared foods
• Breeding: Egg-scatterer among plants or mops, no parental care

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

A classic community star that rewards simple, steady care. Gentle light, lush plants, and stable water bring out the best cherry-red glow in males—especially dramatic over dark substrate. The long-fin strain adds elegant, flowing movement, so choose calm tankmates and avoid sharp decor near swimming lanes. For breeding, think early mornings and fine cover. Use mops or protected egg catchers, then raise fry through a micro-food progression. Consistency and patience deliver a steady supply of bright, healthy juveniles.