Cherry barb
Cherry barb grows to about 2 in and needs a tank of at least 20 US gal. Here's how to keep it healthy and what it lives well with.
Quick facts
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Group
- Barbs & danios
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Adult size
- 2 in
- Minimum tank
- 20 US gal
- Min swim length
- 23.6 in
- Group size
- 6+ together
Water parameters
- Temperature
- 73–81 °F
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 4–15 dGH
Tank & care
Cherry barb is a shoaling species — keep a group of at least 6 so they feel secure and show natural behavior. Kept alone or in twos they tend to turn shy, stressed or nippy.
Give it at least 23.6 in of swimming length and hold the water around 73–81 °F. Match any new species to these ranges before adding them.
Plan a tank with this fish
Use the stocking calculator to see how many Cherry barb your tank can hold and whether your planned tankmates are compatible — it's anchored to your net water volume and footprint.
Figures are conservative hobby-consensus estimates for planning. Individual fish vary — always research a species and watch how yours behave.
Related guides and tools
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