Cherry Barb
A peaceful schooling fish with warm red coloration. Cherry barbs do well in planted community tanks and are often a solid choice for beginners once the tank is cycled.
tankSize
60L (15 gal) minimum for a school
careLevel
Beginner
temperature
23 to 27C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Flakes/micro-pellets plus occasional frozen foods
lifespan
4 to 6 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (schooling)
weeklyMaintenance
Partial water changes and basic cleaning
Best for
- Planted community tanks
- People who want a calm schooling fish
- Owners who can keep stable water and a small group
- Homes that prefer a peaceful aquarium
Not ideal for
- Tanks with aggressive fin-nippers
- Very small tanks without enough swimming space
- Brand-new tanks that are not cycled
- People who want a single centerpiece fish
Temperament
- Gentle and social
- Most confident in groups
- Generally compatible with calm community fish
Daily routine
feeding: Feed once or twice daily. Offer varied small foods.
check: Check group behavior and appetite.
enrichment: Plants and hiding areas help them feel secure.
Living fit
smallHome: Works well in a medium planted tank.
kids: Great for learning simple routines and watching schooling behavior.
firstTimeOwner: Often a good choice after the tank is cycled.
Health notes
- Do best with stable water and a consistent routine.
- Stress decreases when kept in a proper school size.
- Quarantine new fish when possible.
Cost and time
time: Low daily time, weekly maintenance needed.
cost: Moderate setup. Ongoing costs are low.
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