Albino Cherry Barb (Rohanella titteya) – 2.5–4cm Size Grades

Albino Cherry Barb is a pale cream, peach and pink colour form of the Sri Lankan Cherry Barb. The current accepted scientific name is Rohanella titteya; older aquarium books and supplier lists commonly use Puntius titteya or Barbus titteya. This listing uses the current name while keeping those older names in context so the fish is easy to recognise across modern and historic care information.

One quantity supplies one unsexed fish in the selected approximate size grade. The current options are 2.5–3cm and 3–4cm. These are dispatch sizes, not final adult size. Albino Cherry Barbs are peaceful social fish, so plan a group rather than a single specimen.

Albino Cherry Barb at a glance

What the albino form means

The albino fish sold in the aquarium trade is a domestic colour morph, not a separate species and not a wild Sri Lankan albino population. It shares the same core husbandry as the normal Cherry Barb while showing reduced dark pigment and warmer cream, pink or gold tones. Individual colour intensity varies with genetics, age, sex, lighting, diet and stress.

Mature males are usually slimmer and can become more intensely pink or reddish, while females tend to be fuller-bodied. Small juveniles cannot be sexed reliably, so the size options on this page are sold unsexed unless a future variant explicitly states otherwise.

Group size and aquarium setup

Keep at least six Albino Cherry Barbs together. Eight to ten or more usually produces a more confident display where the aquarium has enough swimming space. They are social shoaling fish but do not remain in a tight school every minute; a settled group often spreads through planted areas and comes together when startled or displaying.

Use a mature aquarium with planted or shaded edges and open mid-water swimming room. Dark sand or fine gravel, smooth wood, leaf litter and floating plants can make the pale fish feel secure and help their colour stand out. A 60-litre aquarium is a practical baseline for a small group, while 75–90 litres or more gives a better margin for a larger shoal and compatible tank mates.

Water and filtration

Maintain stable tropical water around 22–27°C and pH 6.0–7.5. Captive-bred Cherry Barbs are adaptable, but sudden changes are still stressful. Use mature biological filtration with gentle to moderate flow and good surface movement. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero; keep nitrate controlled through sensible stocking, feeding and regular partial water changes.

Do not chase a perfect pH with repeated chemical corrections. Stable water within the suitable range is usually safer than frequent swings created by additives.

Feeding Albino Cherry Barbs

Use a quality micro-pellet, fine granule or crushed flake as the staple. Rotate suitable small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp and modest bloodworm portions. Plant and algae-based ingredients can form part of a balanced omnivore diet.

Feed one or two small portions daily and spread food so quieter fish can eat. Remove persistent leftovers. Their willingness to feed does not mean the aquarium should receive repeated large meals.

Tank mates

Albino Cherry Barbs suit calm community fish that share the same temperature and water chemistry. Peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small gouramis and suitable Corydoras can work in a sufficiently large aquarium. Always account for the companion species' own group size and adult space.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids and persistent fin-nippers. Adult aquarium shrimp can sometimes coexist in a densely planted community, but tiny shrimplets may be eaten opportunistically. If shrimp breeding is the priority, a shrimp-only setup is safer.

Breeding

Cherry Barbs are egg scatterers. Mature males display more strongly around receptive females, and eggs may be released among fine plants or spawning material. Adults can eat eggs, so a dedicated breeding aquarium or protective spawning mesh improves survival. Fry need very small first foods before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp and fine prepared fry food.

Albino Cherry Barb questions

What is the current scientific name?

The current accepted name is Rohanella titteya. Puntius titteya and Barbus titteya are older names still widely found in aquarium literature and supplier records.

How many should I keep?

Keep at least six. A group of 8–10 or more is preferable where the aquarium has enough swimming space and filtration.

How large do Albino Cherry Barbs grow?

Plan for an adult around 4.5–5cm. The 2.5–4cm options on this listing are approximate dispatch size grades.

What tank size is recommended?

About 60 litres is a practical baseline for a small group. A 75–90 litre or larger aquarium is easier for a bigger shoal or mixed community.

Are Albino Cherry Barbs peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish, especially when kept in a proper same-species group with enough cover and swimming space.

Do they need a planted aquarium?

Plants are not compulsory, but planted and shaded areas help them feel secure and support natural behaviour. Leave open mid-water space for the group to swim.

What should I feed them?

Use quality fine prepared foods as the staple, supported by small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adults may coexist with shrimp in a planted aquarium, but very small shrimplets may be eaten. Do not rely on the fish as completely shrimp-safe.

Can I choose a male or female?

No sex is guaranteed by the current size variants.

Are the size options adult sizes?

No. They are approximate dispatch grades. Plan the aquarium around the adult fish and the full group.