***Males go blood red, females stay brown. Male colouring enhances with females present.
The Cherry Barb fish is a great fish for the beginner to fish keeping because they can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. The Cherry Barb is also a very peaceful and very good community fish that will bring lots of activity to your aquarium. They stay on the small side, usually 1.5 to 2 inches (5 cm) and should leave most of their tank mates alone. The Cherry Barb does best when kept in a school, preferably 6 or more them.
It is interesting to note that the Cherry Barb is almost extinct in the wild but are still doing very well within the tropical fish hobby. This really is a pretty little fish and the photos in this profile doesn't do them justice.
The Cherry Barb may be somewhat picky about their food when first acclimated to your tank (should be expected) but that should soon wear off and they'll be going after most of the commonly fed fish foods.
Put in some live plants and or artificial caves to provide hiding places to help make these barbs feel secure. This fish should reward you with lots of activity and will bring a splash of color to your fish tank.
