Cherry Barb - in The Aquarium

In The Aquarium

This peaceful cherry-red fish is most often kept in community tanks by fish keeping hobbyists. The cherry barb is a schooling fish and is best kept in groups of five or more individuals. The schools are often less discrete than with many types of barb. It is also best to keep a ratio of two females to one male. The male will constantly harass the females to breed, and by this ratio, it gives the females a small break. They live an average of 4 years, with a maximum lifespan of 5-7 years. They prefer a tank with abundant plants (about two-thirds to three-quarters of the tank), but they still need open space to swim. They tend to hide and will often withdraw under the cover of plants. Younger males are generally peaceful, but they can be aggressive in spawning with females. Appropriate tank mates include Rasbora and similar peaceful fish.