Cherry Barb vs Dwarf Gourami
Puntius titteya compared with Trichogaster lalius
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Dwarf Gourami |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya | Trichogaster lalius |
| Order | Cypriniformes | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae | Osphronemidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Dwarf Gourami |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 5.0 cm | 9.0 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. | Males show brilliant alternating diagonal red-orange and iridescent turquoise-blue stripes across the flanks; dorsal and anal fins have red and blue streaking; throat and belly vivid electric blue. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Dwarf Gourami |
|---|---|---|
| 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 rivers and floodplains of West Bengal, Assam, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan. Found in densely vegetated slow streams, ponds, and flooded rice … |
| 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. | Slow-moving rivers, ponds, and ditches of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Shallow, warm, densely vegetated freshwater (22-28°C). Males highly territorial and build bubble nests among floating … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Dwarf Gourami |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 60 L | 40 L |
| Temperature | 23-27 | 22-28 |
| pH Range | 6.0-8.0 | 6.0-7.5 |
| 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.
Dwarf Gourami
Not consumed — popular ornamental labyrinth fish treasured in freshwater aquariums for its vivid red-and-blue striped coloration and calm temperament.
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.
Dwarf Gourami
The dwarf gourami is a brightly colored labyrinth fish native to the slow-moving waters of South Asia. Males build elaborate bubble nests at the surface for spawning. Its pelvic fins have evolved into long, thread-like feelers used to sense the environment.