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Long Fin Cherry Barb

Posted by Max Gandara on on 8th Jun 2025

Long Fin Cherry Barb: A Flowing Flame for Your Freshwater Tank

If you're looking to add a splash of color and elegance to your aquarium, the Long Fin Cherry Barb might just be the perfect pick. Known for its deep red body and beautifully extended fins, this selectively bred variant of the classic Cherry Barb is a favorite among aquarists who appreciate both beauty and ease of care.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, the Long Fin Cherry Barb is a fish that adds movement, personality, and a fiery charm to any community setup.

Origins and Background

The Long Fin Cherry Barb is a selectively bred variant of the standard Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya), which originates from the freshwater streams of Sri Lanka. In the wild, these fish inhabit shaded, slow-moving waters rich in vegetation.

Selective breeding for longer fins began in captivity to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this already attractive species. The result: a fish with all the charm of the original, but with flowing, veil-like fins that ripple through the water.

Appearance: Graceful Beauty

Long Fin Cherry Barbs are named for their rich coloration and elegant fin extensions, especially in males.

  • Size: 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)

  • Color (Males): Deep cherry red with dark lateral stripe

  • Color (Females): Lighter, often pale orange or gold

  • Fins: Dramatically elongated and translucent, with a trailing appearance

  • Body Shape: Slim, torpedo-like

When kept in the right conditions, their color deepens and their fins flow like streamers — especially during courtship or territorial displays.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

These fish are easy to care for and adapt well to a range of environments, making them ideal for planted community tanks.

Tank Requirements:

  • Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (for a group)

  • Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

  • Lighting: Moderate

  • Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow

  • Decor: Heavily planted areas with open swimming spaces, driftwood, and leaf litter

? Tip: Use a dark substrate and background to make their colors pop.

Social Behavior and Tankmates

Cherry Barbs are peaceful schooling fish, and the Long Fin variant is no exception — though their longer fins make them more vulnerable to fin-nippers.

Grouping:

  • Keep in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and enhance coloration.

  • Males may spar, especially during mating season, but it's mostly harmless.

Compatible Tankmates:

  • Other peaceful fish like:

    • Harlequin rasboras

    • Neon or ember tetras

    • Corydoras catfish

    • Honey or dwarf gouramis

    • Otocinclus

  • Avoid:

    • Tiger barbs

    • Bettas (sometimes see the long fins as competition)

    • Fin-nipping species

Feeding and Diet

Long Fin Cherry Barbs are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that enhances their color and vitality.

Feeding Tips:

  • Staple: High-quality flakes or micro pellets

  • Supplements: Live/frozen foods like daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp

  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach or zucchini occasionally

  • Frequency: 2–3 times daily, only what they can eat in 2 minutes

A balanced diet helps males maintain their intense red coloration and keeps fins in good shape.

Breeding Long Fin Cherry Barbs

Breeding is possible in captivity and quite straightforward with proper conditions.

Breeding Setup:

  • Separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

  • Slightly warmer water (78–80°F / 25–27°C)

  • Soft, slightly acidic water preferred

Breeding Behavior:

  • Males chase females and display vibrant colors

  • Eggs are scattered among plants

  • Remove adults after spawning — they will eat the eggs

  • Fry hatch in 1–2 days and can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food

The Long Fin variety may require slightly gentler water flow due to their fins, but otherwise follows the same breeding cues as standard Cherry Barbs.

Health and Maintenance

Cherry Barbs are hardy, but their long fins can make them more prone to fin-related injuries or infections.

Common Issues:

  • Fin rot (if water quality is poor)

  • Ich (especially after temperature changes)

  • Fungal infections on fins

Preventative Care:

  • Maintain excellent water quality

  • Avoid overcrowding

  • Quarantine new fish

  • Use a sponge filter in breeding/nursery tanks

With regular maintenance and a stress-free environment, they can live 4–6 years.

Final Thoughts

The Long Fin Cherry Barb is a wonderful combination of beauty and simplicity. With its fiery red body, flowing fins, and peaceful nature, it makes a perfect centerpiece for planted community aquariums. Its active schooling behavior, easy care requirements, and potential for breeding offer something for aquarists of all levels.

Whether you’re starting your first community tank or adding a splash of elegance to an established setup, this barbed beauty won’t disappoint.

Quick Recap:

  • ✅ Peaceful, schooling species

  • ✅ Great for planted tanks

  • ✅ Easy to breed

  • ✅ Stunning long-finned variation

  • ⚠️ Avoid fin-nipping tankmates