Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Tiger Barb is considered one of the most ubiquitous species in the aquarium trade. Endemic to river systems of Sumatra and Borneo, there is little observed sexual dimorphism between male and female Tiger barbs, as both sexes will have an orange-copper body with four black bands across their body, however females will have a rounder shape at maturity. Tiger barbs are known to be one of the more pugnacious barb species, having a bad reputation for nipping 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 of numbers. A natural schooling fish, Tiger barbs require at least 8 to 10 individuals. An adult Tiger barb can reach a size of approximately 2.5″. Because most specimens available are aquacultured and have been subjected to inbreeding, Tiger barbs are more prone to disease given their weak genetics. Here at Aquatics Unlimited, our Tiger barbs are monitored for a period of time before they are made available to ensure you’re receiving healthy individuals.
Diet Requirements: Tiger barbs are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Some emphasis should be put on offering ample plant or algal based foods for this species. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Tiger barbs. Tiger barbs are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium; however, adding Tiger barbs into an already cycled aquarium would be better for this fish. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Because only aquacultured Tiger barbs are available, they have a range of water parameters in which they can adapt to. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a school of Tiger barbs happy, but a darker-neutral substrate, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this barb. Tiger barbs have been observed to show exceptional coloration in dense live planted aquariums. Tiger barbs are a very gregarious and boisterous species, and should be mixed with fish that have similar temperaments for the best compatability. Avoid slow-moving fish, timid fish and fish with decorative fins. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 5-12, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 3/4” to 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.