Can Cherry Barbs Live With Guppies

When setting up a community tank, one of the most common questions is whether cherry barbs and guppies can live together peacefully. Both species are popular among fishkeepers for their beauty and ease of care, but understanding their compatibility is essential for a harmonious aquarium environment. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping cherry barbs and guppies together, including their behavior, water requirements, diet, and tank setup.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of how to successfully house these two species and ensure their long-term well-being. We’ll also discuss any potential problems you might face and how to avoid them, so you can confidently create a thriving community tank.

Table of Contents

1. Cherry Barbs and Guppies: Overview
2. Behavior Compatibility
3. Water Conditions
4. Tank Size and Setup
5. Feeding Cherry Barbs and Guppies Together
6. Potential Problems and Solutions
7. Health and Stress in Community Tanks
8. Breeding Considerations
9. Can Cherry Barbs Live with Other Fish?
10. Conclusion

1. Cherry Barbs and Guppies: Overview

Before deciding whether these fish can live together, let’s take a quick look at both species.

Cherry Barbs are small, peaceful fish native to Sri Lanka. They grow up to 2 inches in length and are known for their striking red coloration, which becomes more vibrant in males during breeding. Cherry barbs are social creatures that do well in groups of 5-6.

Guppies, on the other hand, are one of the most popular aquarium fish worldwide. Known for their bright colors and fan-shaped tails, guppies are hardy fish that thrive in a variety of conditions. They are also livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs.

Both species are generally peaceful and can live in similar water conditions, making them potential tank mates, but there are a few things to consider before introducing them.

2. Behavior Compatibility

When mixing fish, behavior is one of the most important factors to consider. Cherry barbs are relatively peaceful, though males can occasionally display mild aggression during breeding. Guppies are also peaceful but can become stressed if housed with overly aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

The good news is that cherry barbs are not known to be fin nippers, so they typically won’t bother guppies. However, it’s still important to monitor their behavior during the first few weeks after introducing them to the same tank. If either species shows signs of stress, such as hiding or clamped fins, you may need to intervene.

3. Water Conditions

Both cherry barbs and guppies thrive in similar water conditions, which is one of the reasons they can be good tank mates. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal water parameters for both species:

Water Parameter	Cherry Barbs	Guppies
Temperature	74°F – 80°F (23°C – 27°C)	72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
pH Level	6.0 – 7.5	6.8 – 7.8
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard	Moderately hard
Tank Size	Minimum 20 gallons	Minimum 10 gallons

As you can see, their water requirements overlap, meaning you can maintain the same water parameters for both fish without much difficulty. A stable water environment is crucial, so regular water changes and monitoring are necessary to keep both species healthy.

4. Tank Size and Setup

While guppies are small and can live in tanks as small as 10 gallons, keeping them with cherry barbs requires a larger tank. Cherry barbs are active swimmers who need space to move around, and they also prefer to be in groups. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended when keeping these species together.

Decorations and plants are essential for creating hiding spots and reducing stress. Cherry barbs are more likely to feel secure with plenty of plants, while guppies also enjoy having places to explore. Live plants like Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants can provide shade and shelter, improving the overall well-being of both species.

5. Feeding Cherry Barbs and Guppies Together

Feeding these two species together is relatively easy since they have similar dietary needs. Both cherry barbs and guppies are omnivores and will eat a combination of plant-based and protein-rich foods.

A balanced diet can include:

• Flake food (suitable for both species)
• Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia
• Vegetables such as zucchini or peas (blanched)

Make sure to feed in small amounts multiple times a day, as overfeeding can lead to water quality issues and health problems.

6. Potential Problems and Solutions

Even though cherry barbs and guppies are compatible, there are some potential problems you may face when keeping them together:

• Aggression: Cherry barbs may occasionally chase guppies, especially if the tank is overcrowded. Ensuring enough space and hiding spots can minimize this behavior.
• Fin Damage: While cherry barbs aren’t known to nip fins, some guppies with long, flowing tails may become targets. Keep an eye on their fins and separate the fish if necessary.
• Dietary Competition: Cherry barbs can be quick eaters and may outcompete guppies for food. Feed in different areas of the tank or use sinking pellets for the cherry barbs to ensure both species get enough to eat.

7. Health and Stress in Community Tanks

Monitoring the health of your fish is crucial in any community tank. Stress can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases like fin rot or ich. Common signs of stress include:

• Gasping at the surface
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Erratic swimming or hiding

Make sure the water quality is high, and the tank is large enough to prevent territorial disputes, which can contribute to stress. Regular water changes and maintaining consistent water parameters will keep your fish healthy.

8. Breeding Considerations

Breeding cherry barbs and guppies in the same tank can be challenging but possible. Guppies are livebearers and will frequently give birth if conditions are right. However, cherry barbs may eat guppy fry, so it’s important to provide plenty of hiding spots for the fry if you intend to breed them in a community tank.

Cherry barbs, on the other hand, are egg layers and may spawn if the conditions are ideal. You can increase the likelihood of spawning by gradually raising the temperature and providing them with plenty of plants for egg-laying.

9. Can Cherry Barbs Live with Other Fish?

Cherry barbs and guppies can also coexist with other peaceful species, including:

• Neon tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Harlequin rasboras
• Mollies

Avoid aggressive or large fish like cichlids, which can stress or harm smaller, peaceful fish like cherry barbs and guppies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cherry barbs can live with guppies under the right conditions. Both species are peaceful, have similar water requirements, and can share a diet, making them suitable tank mates. By providing a well-planted tank, ensuring enough space, and monitoring their behavior, you can create a harmonious community aquarium. Just keep an eye out for any signs of stress or aggression, and address any issues promptly to keep your fish happy and healthy.

With the right care, cherry barbs and guppies can coexist peacefully, adding vibrant color and activity to your aquarium.

FAQS

1. Can cherry barbs and guppies live together in a small tank?

While guppies can thrive in smaller tanks of around 10 gallons, cherry barbs need more space to swim and interact in groups. It’s recommended to keep them together in a tank of at least 20 gallons to ensure both species have enough room and to minimize stress or territorial issues.

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2. Are cherry barbs aggressive towards guppies?

Cherry barbs are generally peaceful fish but can show mild aggression during breeding or if they feel overcrowded. They are not known for fin-nipping, which means they won’t typically harm guppies. However, it’s essential to monitor their behavior when they’re first introduced to the tank.

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3. Do cherry barbs and guppies need different water conditions?

Both cherry barbs and guppies have similar water requirements, making them compatible tank mates. They prefer slightly warm water (around 74°F – 80°F for cherry barbs and 72°F – 82°F for guppies) and a neutral pH level (around 6.5 – 7.5). As long as the tank’s water is well-maintained, both species will thrive.

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4. Can cherry barbs eat guppy fry?

Yes, cherry barbs may eat guppy fry if they are not separated or provided with hiding spots. Guppy fry is small and vulnerable, so if you plan to breed guppies in a community tank with cherry barbs, make sure there are plenty of plants or breeding boxes for the fry to hide in.

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5. How can I prevent cherry barbs from outcompeting guppies for food?

Cherry barbs can be fast eaters and may outcompete guppies during feeding. To prevent this, you can feed in different areas of the tank, use sinking pellets for the cherry barbs, and provide floating food for guppies. Feeding small amounts multiple times a day can also ensure both species get the nutrition they need.

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6. What should I feed cherry barbs and guppies when they live together?

Both cherry barbs and guppies are omnivores and enjoy a variety of foods. You can feed them flake food, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia, and vegetable-based foods like blanched peas or zucchini. A balanced diet will keep both species healthy and vibrant.

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7. What are the signs of stress in cherry barbs and guppies?

Signs of stress in both species can include hiding, clamped fins, loss of appetite, erratic swimming, and gasping at the surface. If you notice these signs, check water quality and ensure there’s enough space and hiding spots in the tank to reduce stress.

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8. Can cherry barbs live with other types of fish besides guppies?

Yes, cherry barbs can live with other peaceful fish species like neon tetras, mollies, and corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish, as this could cause stress or conflict in the tank.

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9. Do cherry barbs and guppies breed in the same tank?

Guppies will readily breed in most tank conditions, while cherry barbs require specific conditions for spawning. If you want both species to breed in the same tank, provide ample plants or hiding spaces for guppy fry, as cherry barbs may eat them. Cherry barbs may also need slightly higher temperatures and more plant cover for successful breeding.

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10. How often should I change the water when keeping cherry barbs and guppies together?

To keep the water quality high and prevent stress or illness, aim to perform partial water changes of around 20-30% once a week. Regular water changes are crucial in a community tank to ensure both species stay healthy and happy.