Tiger Barb
Puntius tetrazona
(72-79°F)
Care Requirements
💧 Water Parameters
🏠 Tank Setup
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous, prefers a varied diet including high-quality flakes/pellets, live/frozen foods, and vegetable matter
🐟 Community Compatibility
Tiger Barbs can be kept with other semi-aggressive fish or in a species-only setup. Avoid keeping them with long-finned or slow-moving fish as Tiger Barbs can nip at their fins.
⚥ Sexual Dimorphism
Males are generally slimmer and more colorful, with bold black stripes and vibrant red or orange fins. Females are larger and have less intense coloration.
🌍 Origin
Southeast Asia
About Tiger Barb
Tiger Barbs are lively and striking freshwater fish known for their distinctive appearance and active behavior. Here's some information about Tiger Barbs:
Tiger Barbs have a compact and elongated body shape with bold black stripes that resemble a tiger's pattern, hence their name. They have a vibrant gold or orange body coloration, and their fins are usually red or orange. The vertical black stripes contrast beautifully against their vibrant body, creating an eye-catching display.
Tiger Barbs are native to Southeast Asia and are typically found in various freshwater habitats, including rivers, streams, and ponds. They prefer densely vegetated areas with moderate water flow. In the wild, they inhabit areas with gravel or sandy substrates.
Tiger Barbs are highly active and social fish. They are known for their energetic swimming and playful behavior. However, they can exhibit fin-nipping behavior, especially towards long-finned or slow-moving tank mates. It is best to keep them in small groups of at least five individuals to distribute their aggression.
Tiger Barbs are relatively hardy and suitable for aquarists with some experience. They require a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, and regular water changes are essential to maintain good water quality. They appreciate a well-filtered environment.
Tiger Barbs are omnivorous and have a varied diet. They readily accept high-quality flake or pellet food as their main diet. It's beneficial to supplement their diet with occasional offerings of live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and vegetable matter like spirulina-based foods or blanched vegetables.
Tiger Barbs can be slightly aggressive, especially when kept in smaller groups or with slow-moving fish. They are best kept with other semi-aggressive or fast-swimming species. Suitable tank mates include barbs, danios, rasboras, and larger tetras. Avoid pairing them with long-finned or delicate fish that may become targets for fin-nipping.
Breeding Tiger Barbs in captivity is possible with the right conditions. Provide them with slightly warmer water, fine-leaved plants, and a separate breeding tank with suitable spawning substrate. The female will scatter the adhesive eggs among the plants, and the parents do not exhibit parental care. It's best to remove them after spawning to protect the eggs from being eaten.
In conclusion, Tiger Barbs are visually striking and active fish that add a lively touch to freshwater aquariums. With their tiger-like stripes and energetic behavior, they create a captivating display. With proper care, suitable tank conditions, and compatible tank mates, they can thrive and become a dynamic addition to any community setup.
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