Long-fin Cherry Barb Care Guide
The Long-fin Cherry Barb is a selectively bred form of Puntius titteya, a peaceful shoaling cyprinid endemic to Sri Lanka.
Overview
The Long-fin Cherry Barb is a selectively bred long-finned variety of Puntius titteya, a small cyprinid endemic to Sri Lanka. Care is identical to the wild form. Males develop deeper coloration in the presence of rivals.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Puntius
- Scientific name: Puntius titteya var. Longfin
- Base species: Puntius titteya
- Note: the long-finned form is a captive-bred ornamental variety, not a separate species
Habitat
The base species is endemic to the southwestern wet zone of Sri Lanka, restricted to the Kelani and Nilwala river basins and smaller drainages between them. It inhabits shaded forest streams with clear or slightly stained, shallow water over sandy substrates covered in leaf litter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (8-10 recommended to reduce skittishness)
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
An omnivore. In the wild it forages on diatoms, algae, organic detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans and other zooplankton. In the aquarium it thrives on small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia, supplemented with quality dried foods.
Compatibility
Generally very peaceful and well suited to community tanks, occupying mostly the middle level. It mixes well with other peaceful tetras and bottom-dwelling Corydoras. The long-finned form should be kept away from active fin-nippers such as tiger barbs.
Breeding
An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. Eggs hatch within roughly 24-48 hours and fry become free-swimming about a day later.
Conservation status
Export of wild specimens from Sri Lanka is currently prohibited. Wild populations are reported to show declining bright coloration attributed to selective collection pressure; most aquarium stock is farm-raised.