The Cherry Fish, scientifically known as *Barbus titteya* (also referred to as *Puntius titteya*), is a small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae and the subfamily Barbinae. It is commonly known as the Red Rosefish due to its striking pinkish-red coloration, and also called the Cherry Barb or Crimson Carplet in English. The name "Cherry" comes from the male's vibrant, cherry-like coloration during the breeding season, which makes it resemble blooming cherry blossoms.
Native to Sri Lanka, this species thrives in warm, tropical environments. It is a small but beautifully colored fish, typically reaching about 5 cm in length. Its body is predominantly red, with a distinctive serrated golden stripe running along the sides, bordered by black markings. When kept in an aquarium with proper lighting and aquatic plants, the colors become even more vivid. However, poor water conditions can dull its appearance.
Morphologically, the Cherry Fish has a slender, oval-shaped body. It features a small head, a pointed snout, and a lower jaw with one pair of barbels. The scales are large and thick, shaped like half-moons, and the lateral line is incomplete. The dorsal fin has spines with fine teeth, while the caudal fin is forked. The pectoral and pelvic fins are relatively short, and the anal fin is also compact.
In terms of coloration, the body is usually a deep red, though it can vary depending on health and environment. Some individuals may turn pale brown or even peach-green. A prominent feature is the wide gold and black stripe along the sides, with a jagged golden line extending from the eye to the tail. The eyes have a silvery-white iris that gives them a pearlescent glow.
Sexual dimorphism is clear: males display brighter, more intense colors, especially during breeding, while females remain more subdued, with a fuller, rounder body shape. Males often show off their colors to attract females, engaging in playful displays without aggressive behavior.
In captivity, Cherry Fish prefer low-light environments and tend to stay near the bottom. They are sensitive to sudden noises and bright lights, so it’s best to keep their aquariums well-planted with aquatic vegetation to provide hiding spots. They are active swimmers and can jump out of the tank if not properly covered.
Their diet consists mainly of small zooplankton, such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Due to their small mouths, they need finely ground food, especially when young. Juveniles benefit from specialized foods like "dripwater," which contains microorganisms like rotifers and paramecia.
For breeding, Cherry Fish are egg-layers, but their spawning success rate is relatively low. To improve chances, breeders should select healthy adults over 4 cm in length. A separate breeding tank with soft plants like duckweed or moss is ideal for egg attachment. After mating, the parents may eat the eggs, so it’s crucial to remove them promptly once spawning is complete. Fertilized eggs hatch within 24 hours, and fry begin feeding after a day or two, gradually transitioning to live foods like microworms.
With proper care, Cherry Fish make a stunning addition to any community aquarium, offering both beauty and fascinating behavior.
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