🐟 Longfin Cherry Barb (Rohanella titteya var. “Longfin”, formerly Puntius titteya)
Freshwater Peaceful Schooling Barb • Flowing Long Fins • Needs Calm Tank Mates and a Snag-Free Tank • Sometimes Shy
 
📋 The Longfin Cherry Barb is a selectively bred form of the Cherry Barb with visibly longer, flowing fins. Like the standard fish it comes from the shaded forest streams of southwestern Sri Lanka. Mature males turn a deep cherry-red, and females are a softer, warmer tone. The species was long known as Puntius titteya and now has its own genus, Rohanella.
The long fins are the reason to choose tank mates with care. A care guide notes the longfin form is more vulnerable to being nipped by unsuitable companions, so it needs peaceful tank mates and a tank without sharp objects that could tear the fins. Avoid fin-nippers such as tiger barbs, and keep it with calm, small fish.
Like the standard Cherry Barb, it is peaceful and can be shy. Plants and shaded areas help it feel secure, and a group of at least six keeps it confident and active. A dark substrate and a varied diet help bring out the red. The wild species is Vulnerable, and cherry barbs in the aquarium trade are captive-bred.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Flowing Long Fins: A selectively bred form of the cherry barb
⚪ Peaceful: Needs calm companions, and no fin-nippers
📏 Small: Typically 3–4cm, up to 5cm
👥 Schooling Fish: Best in groups of six or more
🌿 Suits Planted Tanks: Plants give cover and show off the red