Cherry Barb

Descrizione

Puntius titteya, commonly known as the Cherry Barb, is a small, peaceful freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is highly valued in the aquarium trade for its vibrant coloration, particularly in males, and its docile nature. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying a much more intense red coloration, especially during breeding, compared to the more subdued, brownish-red females. They are schooling fish and thrive in well-planted aquariums.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Males are typically a brilliant cherry-red to deep crimson, intensifying during breeding. A distinct horizontal dark stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle. Females are generally duller, exhibiting a brownish-red to orange-red hue, with the same dark lateral stripe. Fins are usually reddish, with the dorsal fin sometimes having a black edge.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Vibrant cherry-red coloration in males, especially during breeding., Prominent dark horizontal stripe running along the flank., Small, slender body shape., Absence of barbels (a key differentiating feature from some other Puntius species).

Pinna dorsale

Single, relatively short dorsal fin, often with a black margin in males.

Pinna caudale

Forked caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Small, clear to reddish pectoral fins.

Pinne distintive

All fins are generally clear to reddish, matching the body coloration.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Habitat

Tipo di acqua

freshwater

Profondità

Typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters.

Ambiente

Native to shaded, slow-flowing streams and rivers with dense vegetation and leaf litter. They prefer clear to slightly turbid water with sandy or silty substrates. Often found in areas with submerged roots and branches.

Areale geografico

Endemic to Sri Lanka, primarily found in the Kelani and Nilwala river basins, and the Gin River basin in the southwestern part of the island.

Informazioni sull'acquario

• Livello di cura: beginner
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Dieta: omnivore
• Dimensione minima della vasca: 40 liters (10 gallons) for a small school
• Temperatura: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
• Livello di pH: 6.0-7.5
• Durezza: 5-19 dGH
• Compatibilità: Excellent community fish, compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other small barbs. Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or prey upon them.
• Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. A dark substrate and subdued lighting can enhance their coloration. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Informazioni in natura

• Stato di conservazione: vulnerable
• Stagionalità: Breeds year-round in suitable conditions, with peak activity often coinciding with rainy seasons in their natural habitat.
• Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate (primarily for the ornamental fish trade)
• Importanza commerciale: medium
• Sapore: Not typically consumed due to small size.
• Consistenza: Not typically consumed due to small size.
• Valore nutrizionale: Not typically consumed due to small size.

Fatti chiave

Specie simili

Classificazione scientifica

Regno

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordine

Cypriniformes

Famiglia

Cyprinidae

Genere

Puntius

Specie

Puntius titteya

Esplora Cherry Barb