For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.

The Longfin Cherry Barb is a stunning variant of the classic Cherry Barb, featuring elongated, flowing fins and a deep red coloration that intensifies during breeding. This peaceful and active schooling fish is a fantastic choice for community aquariums and planted tanks. Hardy and adaptable, the Longfin Cherry Barb thrives in a variety of setups, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Striking Coloration: Males develop an intense red hue, especially during spawning, while females display a more subdued golden tone.
• Elegant Long Fins: The extended, flowing fins add a touch of grace and movement to any aquarium.
• Hardy and Beginner-Friendly: Adapts well to different water conditions and is easy to care for.
• Peaceful Community Fish: Compatible with a wide range of tank mates, making it a great choice for diverse setups.

Natural Habitat:

The Cherry Barb originates from slow-moving streams, ponds, and shaded waters in Sri Lanka, where they thrive among dense vegetation and leaf litter. Their natural environment has soft, slightly acidic water with moderate flow.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Pairs beautifully with lush greenery such as Java Fern, Cryptocorynes, Anubias, and Amazon Swords. Floating plants like Water Lettuce or Red Root Floaters help provide shade, mimicking their natural habitat.
• Hardscape: Include driftwood, leaf litter, and river rocks to create a natural setting.
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves and alder cones help maintain optimal water conditions while providing tannins for a more natural feel.

Diet and Feeding:

Longfin Cherry Barbs are omnivorous and require a balanced diet that includes:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets
• Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
• Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach as an occasional treat

A varied diet enhances their color and promotes overall health.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

These peaceful schooling fish thrive in groups of 6 or more and make excellent tank mates for other non-aggressive species. Suitable companions include:

• Other peaceful barbs like the Gold Barb or Rosy Barb
• Small schooling fish such as Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Harlequin Rasboras
• Bottom dwellers like Corydoras Catfish and Kuhli Loaches

Avoid housing them with aggressive fish or fin-nippers, as their long fins can make them targets.

Not Shrimp Safe:

Longfin Cherry Barbs are generally safe with adult shrimp, but baby shrimp may be at risk. Providing dense plant cover and hiding spots can help shrimp colonies thrive.

Breeding:

Longfin Cherry Barbs are egg scatterers that readily breed in a well-maintained aquarium. To encourage spawning, provide soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The parents may eat their eggs, so using a separate breeding tank or removing the adults after spawning is recommended.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 79° F (22° - 26° C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 4 - 10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger tanks recommended for larger schools)

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Offer a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and best kept in schools of 6 or more.
• Origin: Tank-bred.
• Average Adult Size: 2 - 2.5 inches (5 - 6.3 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm)

Enhance your aquarium with the Longfin Cherry Barb—a peaceful, elegant, and brilliantly colored schooling fish that thrives in community and planted tanks.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee and free email support to ensure your success.