Edit Puntius titteya
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Name
Scientific name
Puntius titteya
Described by
Authority Deraniyagala, Year 1929
Family
Cyprinidae
Summary
The cherry barb, Puntius titteya, is a small cyprinid endemic to the Kelani and Nilwala river basins in the southwestern 'wet zone' of Sri …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 20–27°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
2–20dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries
Sri Lanka
Supporting text
Etymology
Puntius: from the Bengali pungti, a vernacular term for small cyprinids. titteya: appears to follow a local vernacular name for the fish.
Distribution
Endemic to Sri Lanka where it is restricted to the Kelani and Nilwala river basins in the southwestern 'wet zone' of the island, plus smaller drainages in the …
Habitat
The 'wet zone' of southwestern Sri Lanka is an area receiving annual rainfall of 2000 – 3000 mm79 – 118 in, much of which arrives during the South-West monsoon…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of at least 60 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 12 in or equivalent are required.
Maintenance
Choice of décor is not especially critical though it tends to show better colouration in a heavily-planted set-up with a dark substrate. The addition of some f…
Water conditions
Temperature: 20 – 27 °C68 – 81 °F pH: The farm-raised fish available in stores are fairly adaptable where water chemistry is concerned and should be happy with…
Diet
Wild fish are probably foragers feeding on diatoms, algae, organic detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans, and other zooplankton. In the aquarium it is ea…
Behaviour and compatibility
Generally very peaceful making it an ideal resident of the well-researched community aquarium. As it places no special demands in terms of water chemistry it c…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are noticeably smaller, slimmer, and more colourful than females, especially when in spawning condition. Some ornamental strains appear to have bee…
Reproduction
Like most small cyprinids Puntius spp. are egg-scattering free spawners exhibiting no parental care. When in good condition they will spawn often and in a matu…
Notes
P. titteya is an unreserved choice for beginners and is among the most ubiquitous small cyprinids in the aquarium hobby. The vast majority of fish on sale are …
References
References
5 on this profile