The Cherry Fish, scientifically known as *Barbus titteya* (also referred to as *Barbus beraniyagala*), is a member of the Cyprinidae family and the subfamily Barbinae. It is commonly called the "Red Rosefish" due to its pinkish-red base coloration, and also known as "Cherry Barb" or "Crimson Carplet" in English. The name "Cherry Fish" comes from the striking, cherry-like coloration of the males during breeding season, which resembles the fresh bloom of cherry blossoms.
Native to Sri Lanka, this small tropical fish is popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its vibrant colors and delicate appearance. Its body is predominantly a deep red, with a distinctive serrated golden stripe running from the eye to the tail, interspersed with black markings. When kept in an appropriately decorated aquarium with soft lighting and live plants, the colors become even more vivid. However, if the environment is poor or stressed, the fish may lose its vibrancy and appear dull.
In terms of physical characteristics, the Cherry Fish has a slender, oval-shaped body that typically reaches about 5 cm in length. It has a small head, a pointed snout, and a downward-facing mouth with one pair of barbels. The scales are large and thick, forming a half-moon shape, while the lateral line is incomplete. The dorsal fin has spines with fine teeth along the edges, and the caudal fin is forked. The pectoral and pelvic fins are short, and the anal fin is also relatively small.
The coloration of the Cherry Fish varies depending on health and environmental conditions. Typically, it displays a dark cherry red hue, but it can turn pale brown or even peach-green under stress. The sides feature a mix of gold and black patterns, with a prominent golden stripe running along the back. The eyes have a silvery-white iris that gives off a pearlescent glow.
Sexual dimorphism is clear: males display brighter, more intense colors, especially during breeding, while females maintain a more subdued, brownish tone with a fuller body shape. During spawning, males become highly active, displaying their vibrant colors to attract females.
In the wild, Cherry Fish prefer shaded streams and rivers. In captivity, they are sensitive to sudden noises and bright lights, so it's best to provide plenty of aquatic plants for hiding. They are lively and sometimes jump out of the water, so an aquarium should be covered to prevent escape. They are not aggressive but may show dominance behaviors, especially among males.
These fish prefer low-light environments and tend to stay near the bottom. They are adaptable to various water conditions, thriving in temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, with an ideal range of 23°C to 25°C. They require well-oxygenated water and can tolerate lower oxygen levels.
Their diet consists mainly of small zooplankton, such as daphnia and micro-worms. Because of their small mouths, they need finely ground food. Juveniles benefit from specialized foods like "dripwater," which contains high-density micro-organisms. Feeding them frequently is essential for proper growth.
For breeding, Cherry Fish are egg-layers. They produce relatively few eggs, and the survival rate of fry is low, especially in the first few days. To breed successfully, select healthy adults over 4 cm in size, with full abdomens in females and vibrant colors in males. A separate breeding tank with soft plants like duckweed or moss is recommended. The tank should be kept in a dark, quiet area with water hardness between 7–9°dH and a pH of 6.6–6.8. After mating, the parents may eat the eggs, so it’s crucial to remove them once spawning is complete. Fertilized eggs hatch within 24 hours, and the fry begin feeding after a day or two, starting with "dripwater" and later transitioning to baby brine shrimp. With proper care, they grow quickly and thrive in a well-maintained aquarium.
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