The article in brief
The Cherry Barb, a small, colourful fish native to Sri Lanka, is an excellent option for aquarists.
- Origin and appearance : Native to the fresh waters of Sri Lanka, this fish has a flamboyant colour
- Habitat Prefer an aquarium of at least 60-80 litres, well planted with shaded areas.
- Behaviour : Fish gregarious and peacefulto be kept in groups of 5 to 10 individuals
- Maintenance Relatively easy, ideal for beginners, with a life expectancy of 2 to 5 years.
Ah, the bearded cherry fish ! A little aquatic jewel that has never ceased to amaze me since I started out in the captivating world of aquaristics. Let me tell you all about this captivating species that could well become the star of your aquarium.
The cherry beard: a Sri Lankan jewel
Origins and natural habitat
The cherry sea bass, scientifically known as Puntius titteya, is native to the fresh waters of Sri Lanka. I was lucky enough to visit this magnificent island a few years ago, and was fascinated by its rich aquatic biodiversity. These small fish live naturally in clear rivers and streams, often shaded by lush vegetation.
Physical characteristics
The charm of the cherry bearded sea bass is undoubtedly its flamboyant colour. Imagine a silvery to orange body, enhanced by a horizontal brown line and bright red fins. The more colourful males proudly display longer fins than their female counterparts. With an adult size of between 3 and 5 cm, these little fish are real miniature gems.
Social behaviour
The Cherry Barb is a gregarious and peaceful fish. In my experience, keeping them in groups of at least 5 to 10 individuals is essential for their development. It's a real pleasure to watch them swimming together, creating a harmonious aquatic ballet.
Creating an aquatic paradise for your cherry bearded vultures
The ideal aquarium layout
To provide an optimal habitat for your cherry barbels, you'll need an aquarium of at least 60 to 80 litres. I've always been impressed by their ability to thrive in a well-designed environment. Here are my recommendations for creating a real little paradise:
- Plant your aquarium generously
- Create zones of light and shadow
- Create hiding places with roots or rocks
These facilities replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible and contribute to their well-being.
Water parameters to monitor
Water quality is vital for the health of your cherry bearded vultures. Here is a summary table of the ideal parameters to maintain:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22-27°C |
| pH | 6-7,5 |
| Hardness | 5-15°dGH |
A little professional advice: invest in a good thermometer and reliable water tests. Believe me, your cherry beards will thank you!
A varied diet for healthy fish
Cherry barbels are omnivorous fish, which makes feeding them much easier. In my department, I always recommend a varied diet including :
- Quality granules and flakes
- Frozen food (artemia, daphnia)
- Live food (occasional
Don't hesitate to vary the pleasures! I've noticed that my cherry beards are particularly fond of frozen bloodworms. It's a real feast for them!
The reproduction of the cherry-bearded: an interesting spectacle
Preparing the laying tray
If you want to try your hand at breeding, you should know that it's an exciting experience. Prepare a spawning tank of around 20 litres, with slightly acidic water (pH 6.5) and a temperature of around 25°C. Add some fine-leaved plants such as milfoil, which are ideal for incubating eggs.
The egg-laying ritual
The spectacle of egg-laying is truly captivating. Females can lay up to 300 eggs among the vegetation. I was lucky enough to witness this phenomenon, and it's a magical moment! The eggs generally hatch in 24 to 48 hours.
Fry rearing
Cherry beard fry are tiny but already self-sufficient after 5 to 6 days. Feed them with special fry food powders or infusoria. It's a real challenge, but it's so satisfying to see these little ones grow up!
A sustainable choice for your aquarium
As a keen aquarist, I can't recommend the cherry bearded duck enough. Not only is it magnificent, but it's also a relatively easy species to keep, ideal for beginners. What's more, by choosing this species, you are indirectly contributing to its preservation, as it is unfortunately vulnerable in its natural environment.
Don't forget that these small fish can cohabit harmoniously with other small, peaceful species. If you're looking for ideas for cohabitation, I recommend you take a look at this article on the successful cohabitation of bettas with other fish. You'll find invaluable advice on creating a balanced community aquarium.
By taking good care of your cherry beards, you'll give them a life expectancy of 2 to 5 years. It's a wonderful adventure awaiting you, full of colour and life. So, are you ready to plunge into the exciting world of bearded cherry fish ?
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