Cherry Barb vs Greater Amberjack
Puntius titteya compared with Seriola dumerili
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya | Seriola dumerili |
| Order | Cypriniformes | Carangiformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae | Carangidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 5.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.002 kg | 80.6 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. | Olive-green to bluish back with a wide amber to golden-yellow mid-lateral stripe running from eye to tail; silvery-white belly; a dark diagonal stripe extends from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 1-385m |
| 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 … | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Commonly found around deepwater reefs, rocky outcrops, and offshore oil … |
| 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. | Pelagic, coral reefs |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 60 L | — |
| Temperature | 23-27 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-8.0 | — |
| Care Level | Easy | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
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.
Greater Amberjack
Firm, rich flesh with a moderately strong flavor; can carry parasites in tropical waters, requiring thorough cooking. Good grilled or baked; related to the highly prized Japanese hamachi.
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.
Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jacks, known for brutal head-shaking fights and powerful dives toward structure. Found near reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.