Tiger Barb

Tiger Barb (Puntius Tetrazona)

The Tiger Barb is an energetic and spirited addition to your freshwater aquarium. Known for their striking appearance and playful personalities, these vibrant fish will certainly make a splash in your aquatic community.

Tiger Barbs can grow up to 2 1/2 to 3 inches in size, which is big enough to prevent them from being preyed upon by larger fish, but still small enough to keep a group of them in a moderately sized fish tank. To create an eye-catching exhibit, you can arrange a tank that is specifically designed for this species and contains 6 individuals of each color variation of tiger barb, as well as live plants.

Tiger Barbs are adorned with bold black stripes that contrast against a vibrant orange or silver body, reminiscent of their namesake's iconic stripes. What's fun and interesting about Tiger Barbs is their "dancing" behavior. When happy and comfortable, these fish engage in a mesmerizing dance, swimming in unison and changing direction in a synchronized manner. It's a fascinating sight watching them explore their surroundings, adding charm and excitement to your aquarium.

Take note that Tiger Barbs are known to be one of the more aggressive barb species, having a bad reputation for nipping the fins of slow-moving and long-finned tank mates. This is more frequently encountered when Tiger Barbs are kept in too small of an aquarium and in too few numbers. Tiger Barbs are natural schooling fish requiring at least 8 to 10 individuals to reduce their aggressive nature.

Tank Habitat and Care:
Tiger Barbs thrive in well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. A tank size of at least 30 gallons is recommended, while larger tanks with at least 40 gallons are ideal for community aquariums. The water should be kept clean and well-oxygenated, with a pH level of 6.0-7.5, a hardness range of 5-19 dGH, and a temperature of 74-79°F.

Diet:
These omnivorous fish have a hearty appetite and enjoy a varied diet consisting of high-quality flake food, freeze-dried or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and zucchini can also be included for additional nutrition.