Cherry Barb - Male

Male Cherry Barbs become a nice light cherry red color, while the females are a tan color. Therefore, the males command a slightly higher price than females. Unlike some fish species, male cherry barbs do not require the presence of females to promote their colors.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a filter, a heater and plenty of plants. They feel safest with places to hide and show more color in a planted tank.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep them with other small, peaceful fish such as rasboras, small tetras, corydoras and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large or boisterous fish and fin-nippers.

Good to know: Cherry barbs are one of the most peaceful barbs, so they mix well with small community fish and shrimp-safe planted tanks. Males color up most when a few females are around.