Cherry Barb vs Corydoras
Puntius titteya compared with Corydoras paleatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya | Corydoras paleatus |
| Order | Cypriniformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae | Callichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 5.0 cm | 7.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.002 kg | 0.005 kg |
| Color | Males are vivid cherry-red over the entire body with a dark mid-lateral stripe from snout to tail; females are pale golden-olive with the same dark stripe; fins reddish to clear. | Pale olive-gray to greenish body with irregular dark olive to black marbled blotches and spots; a broad dark blotch at the dorsal fin base; belly is cream to white; fins spotted or barred. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | — | — |
| Geographic Range | Endemic to the Kelani River basin in southwestern Sri Lanka. Restricted to shaded, slow-flowing forest streams and small tributaries with dense riparian vegetation; population has … | Native to the La Plata River system and coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. Inhabits shallow streams, flooded meadows, and sandy-bottomed lagoons … |
| Habitat | Clear, fast-flowing streams of Sri Lanka and southwestern India. Shallow, oxygen-rich, cool mountain streams (22-26°C) over gravel substrates. Dense riparian vegetation provides cover. | Rivers and streams of the Río de la Plata basin in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay). Inhabits clear-water streams over sandy and muddy bottoms. Active … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 60 L | 40 L |
| Temperature | 23-27 | 22-26 |
| pH Range | 6.0-8.0 | 6.0-8.0 |
| Care Level | Easy | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
Cuisine & Edibility
Cherry Barb
Not consumed — ornamental aquarium fish listed as Vulnerable in the wild; kept for its cherry-red coloration and peaceful schooling nature.
Corydoras
Not consumed — a small ornamental bottom-dwelling catfish beloved for its peaceful temperament and role as a substrate scavenger in community aquariums.
Species Overview
Cherry Barb
The cherry barb is a small, colorful fish native to Sri Lanka's shaded forest streams. Males develop an intense cherry-red coloration during breeding. Listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and over-collection for the aquarium trade.
Corydoras
The peppered corydoras is a peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish native to South American rivers. It uses its barbels to sift through substrate for food and should be kept in groups of six or more. It can gulp atmospheric air in low-oxygen conditions.