Cherry Barb vs Red Sea Bream
Puntius titteya compared with Pagrus major
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Red Sea Bream |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntius titteya | Pagrus major |
| Order | Cypriniformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae | Sparidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Red Sea Bream |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 5.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.002 kg | 9.7 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 rose-pink to silver-pink overall body with small iridescent blue spots on scales above the lateral line; bright pink-red dorsal fin; characteristic dark smudge at the dorsal fin origin in juveniles. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Red Sea Bream |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 10-200m |
| 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 … | Northwestern Pacific from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea to southern Japan and the Philippines. Inhabits coastal rocky reefs, sandy bays, and brackish-edge habitats … |
| 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. | Shallow coastal waters and bays of the western Pacific, from Japan to Southeast Asia. Inhabits rocky and sandy substrates at 10-200m depth. Coastal and semi-pelagic; … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Red Sea Bream |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 60 L | — |
| Temperature | 23-27 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-8.0 | — |
| Care Level | Easy | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Cherry Barb | Red Sea Bream |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 5/10 |
| 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.
Red Sea Bream
Prized in Japanese cuisine as 'tai'; delicate, sweet white flesh with a clean oceanic taste and low fat. Excellent grilled whole, steamed, or served as sashimi on celebratory occasions.
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.
Red Sea Bream
The red sea bream, known as 'tai' in Japan, is considered the king of fish in Japanese cuisine. It holds deep cultural significance and is traditionally served at celebrations. Its delicate white flesh is prized for sashimi and sushi.