Tiger Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

Tiger Barb is a middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

Semi-AggressiveMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
2–2.8" (5–7 cm)
Aquarium size
29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone
Middle swimmer
Temperature
68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH
6–8
GH
5–15 dGH
KH
2–10 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
5–8 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: 5–8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–15 dGH, KH 2–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Tiger Barb needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Plant safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Beginner friendly
Yes
Aquascape fit
Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Tiger Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer quality flakes or pellets with Artemia, Daphnia, insect larvae and plant-based foods.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
  • Keep in a school of 8+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Sumatra and Borneo.

Natural habitat: Tropical streams and river habitats with vegetation, submerged cover and open areas used by active groups.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Intermediate.

Fin-nipping is strongly influenced by group size, aquarium space and tank mate selection. The natural distribution is Sumatra and Borneo rather than Thailand and Cambodia.

Important notes

  • Do not combine with slow, long-finned fish.
  • Small groups increase aggression and fin-nipping.
  • Fast feeding can disadvantage timid tank mates.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 63–86°F (17–30°C) Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Tiger Barb get?

Tiger Barb reaches 2–2.8" (5–7 cm).

What aquarium size does Tiger Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Tiger Barb peaceful?

Tiger Barb needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Tiger Barb?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

Is Tiger Barb beginner friendly?

Tiger Barb can be a beginner-friendly choice when the aquarium is mature, stable, and matched to its adult size.

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