Cherry Barb - Longfin - Puntius titteya var. "Longfin" : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Longfin Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya), a variant of the traditional Cherry Barb, is esteemed for its serene temperament, resilience, and minimal maintenance needs, making it a distinguished selection for community aquariums.
To nurture the social inclinations of Longfin Cherry Barbs, it is advisable to keep them in groups of at least five to six individuals. Males often establish individual territories at the lower strata of the aquarium, showcasing their most vivid colours as they engage in courtship displays with females and vie with competing males.
For a harmonious aquatic community, Longfin Cherry Barbs are best accommodated alongside other non-aggressive, similarly-sized fish species. Ideal tank mates include Tetras, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Catfish, and Plecos. Caution should be exercised to avoid larger predatory fish, which might view Longfin Cherry Barbs as potential prey.
Longfin Cherry Barbs are distinguished by their elegant, elongated fins and striking colouration, featuring a rich brownish-red body, a pronounced horizontal stripe, and fins that range from yellow to red. Their distinctive body structure, with a fuller and taller midsection, further sets them apart within the Barb genus.
A favoured choice among both novice and experienced aquarists, Longfin Cherry Barbs captivate with their vibrant hues, hardy nature, and peaceful demeanor, solidifying their status as a highly popular species in the fishkeeping realm.
Cherry Barb - Longfin Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
In Longfin Cherry Barbs, a variant of Puntius titteya, the sexual dimorphism is similarly pronounced, facilitating the differentiation between males and females.
Female Longfin Cherry Barbs possess a more robust and fuller body shape compared to their male counterparts. This characteristic is typically associated with their reproductive role and is a common trait in many fish species.
Male Longfin Cherry Barbs, on the other hand, are distinguished by a more slender and streamlined body. In addition to their body shape, male Longfin Cherry Barbs are notable for their elongated fins, which are significantly longer and more ornate than those of the females. This feature adds to their distinct appearance and is a key characteristic of the Longfin variant.
Regarding colouration, male Longfin Cherry Barbs tend to display more vibrant and intense colours, especially during spawning periods or when courting females. They often exhibit a deep, rich red hue, which is a hallmark of their attractiveness. Females, in contrast, display a more subdued colouration, typically a paler orange or yellowish hue. The contrast in colouration between the sexes is less pronounced in the Longfin variant compared to the standard Cherry Barb, but it remains a useful indicator for sex differentiation.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya var. "Longfin" |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1930 |
| Other Names | Red Barb |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Puntius |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 6 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 8 - 16 |
| TDS | 150 - 200 |
| ℉ | 70 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Longfin Cherry Barbs are a selectively bred variant of the standard Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) and are not found in the wild. Unlike their wild counterparts, which originate from the serene waters of the Kelani and Nilwala Rivers in Sri Lanka, Longfin Cherry Barbs have been developed through selective breeding in captivity to accentuate their elongated finnage.
While they share the same genetic lineage as the standard Cherry Barbs, the habitat of Longfin Cherry Barbs is entirely aquarium-based. In the controlled environment of an aquarium, these fish can thrive in conditions that mimic their ancestral origins, with a preference for soft, slightly acidic water and a well-planted setup that offers both shelter and a natural appearance.
The standard Cherry Barb's natural habitat in Sri Lanka, characterized by the dappled light of forest canopies and riverbeds with soft silt or sand substrates, provides a guideline for creating an ideal environment for Longfin Cherry Barbs in captivity. This includes replicating aspects like vegetation, water flow, and substrate to create a comfortable and stimulating environment for these beautifully adapted fish.
Breeding
Cherry Barbs are known for their strong breeding capabilities, often successfully spawning in captivity under optimal conditions. To facilitate breeding, several key environmental factors should be considered:
- Lighting: A dimly lit aquarium is beneficial, as it simulates the Cherry Barbs' natural breeding habitat and helps reduce stress.
- Water Parameters: Slightly acidic water conditions are preferred, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Vegetation: Dense plant life is crucial as it provides a suitable area for egg scattering.
During the breeding process, a mating pair of Cherry Barbs can produce upto 200-300 eggs. Post-spawning, it is vital to either remove the adult fish from the breeding tank or transfer the eggs to a separate aquarium. This step is necessary to prevent the adult Cherry Barbs from consuming the eggs.
The eggs of Cherry Barbs generally hatch within one to two days. The fry becomes free-swimming after an additional two days. Within about five weeks, the juvenile Cherry Barbs will grow to approximately 1 cm in length and start to exhibit the distinctive characteristics of the species.
Diet & Feeding
Longfin Cherry Barbs, like the standard Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya), are adaptable in their dietary preferences and can be offered a variety of food options. They will readily accept flake food or other dry foods designed for tropical fish species.
To enhance their diet and promote optimal health, it is advisable to periodically introduce supplementary foods. These can include vegetables such as blanched peas or zucchini, and protein-rich items like daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and plankton. These additional food sources provide essential nutrients and variety, contributing to a well-rounded diet.
Incorporating a balanced mix of these foods ensures that Longfin Cherry Barbs receive all the necessary nutrients for maintaining their health, energy, and vibrant colouration. It's important to feed them in appropriate quantities to avoid overfeeding and maintain good water quality in the aquarium.
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