Long-fin Cherry Barb Breeding Guide

Breeding the long-fin cherry barb, a selectively bred fin variant of Puntius titteya that spawns like the wild cherry barb.

Overview

The long-fin cherry barb is a selectively bred long-finned form of Puntius titteya, not a separate species; its breeding biology is that of the cherry barb. Seriously Fish notes that Puntius species are egg-scattering free spawners with no parental care, and that some ornamental strains have been selectively bred to keep red pigmentation permanently. In a mature aquarium fry may appear naturally, but a dedicated setup is more productive.

Sexing

Males are smaller, slimmer and more colourful, becoming a deep red when breeding. Females are fawn-coloured above with a greenish sheen and two pinkish stripes along the sides that darken in breeding condition; they are fuller-bodied. The long fins do not change these differences.

Conditioning

Condition the adults together on small live, frozen and dried foods. A ratio of at least two females to one male reduces harassment, since the male chases off rivals and pursues the female closely during spawning.

Breeding Setup

Use a separate, dimly lit tank with mature water. Cover the base with mesh or plastic grass matting, or provide fine-leaved plants such as Taxiphyllum species or spawning mops, so eggs fall out of reach. Add an air-powered sponge filter or air stone. Keep the pH slightly acidic to neutral and the temperature toward the upper end of the range.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

When females are gravid, introduce one or two pairs; spawning should follow the next morning. The female scatters roughly 200 to 300 eggs over plants and substrate. The adults will probably eat the eggs given the chance and should be removed as soon as any are noticed.

Egg & Fry Care

Eggs hatch in one to two days, and the fry are free-swimming after about two more days. Feed an infusoria-grade food for the first several days, then microworm, Artemia nauplii and similar foods. After about five weeks the young reach roughly 1 cm and are recognisable as cherry barbs.

Common Challenges

Parents readily eat eggs and small fry, so prompt removal is essential. The long-fin trait is a selectively bred fin morph within the species; long-finned fish can be slower swimmers, so ensure gentle flow in the spawning and rearing tanks.