How long do Cherry Barbs live?
Cherry Barbs live about 4-6 years with good care. Stable water and a varied diet keep males' red intense.
What do Cherry Barbs eat?
They accept flake, micro-pellets, and small frozen/live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. Overfeeding is the main diet error; feed small portions finished in two minutes.
Tank size and water parameters
A 15-20 gallon (57-75 L) tank suits a school of 6-8. Target 73-81°F (23-27°C), pH 6.0-7.0, soft to moderate water, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 20 ppm. Keep in groups of 6+; plants and a darker substrate bring out the red.
Common mistakes with Cherry Barbs
Usual errors: too small a group or a bare tank so they stay pale and hidy; keeping them with boisterous fish that outcompete them; and unstable water from missed maintenance.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Keeping too few or in a bare tank — they need 6+ and plants to color up.
- Boisterous tank mates that outcompete these gentle feeders.
- Letting water quality slip — small, regular changes keep them stable.
- Overfeeding — keep portions small to protect water quality.