Tiger Barb Care Guide – Setup, Behavior, and Tank Mates
The Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is one of the most energetic and eye-catching freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for their bold black stripes and bright orange fins, Tiger Barbs bring movement and color to any tank. In this care guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from ideal tank setup and diet to behavior and compatible tank mates — to keep your Tiger Barbs healthy and thriving.
🐟 Tiger Barb Care Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntigrus tetrazona |
| Common Name | Tiger Barb |
| Adult Size | 2.5–3 inches |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (best in groups) |
| Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons |
| Diet | Omnivore – flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods |
| Water Temperature | 74–79°F (23–26°C) |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | 4–10 dGH |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Ideal Group Size | 6 or more to reduce aggression |
🌿 Tank Setup & Environment
Tiger Barbs thrive in a spacious, well-filtered aquarium with plenty of swimming space. Use fine gravel or sand substrate, and add plants, driftwood, and rocks for cover while leaving open areas for schooling.
Provide moderate lighting and gentle to moderate water flow. Keeping them in groups of six or more helps diffuse aggression and brings out their best schooling behavior.
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Tiger Barbs are omnivores with hearty appetites. Offer a varied diet that includes:
- High-quality flakes or pellets
- Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
- Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition
Feed 2–3 times daily, giving only what they can consume in a few minutes to maintain water quality.
🤝 Tank Mates
Tiger Barbs are lively and may nip fins of slower or long-finned fish. They do best in active community setups with similarly energetic species.
Good tank mates:
✅ Zebra Danios
✅ Rosy Barbs
✅ Rainbowfish
✅ Loaches (such as Yo-Yo or Zebra Loach)
✅ Larger Tetras (like Black Skirts or Serpaes)
Avoid:
❌ Betta Fish
❌ Angelfish
❌ Guppies or slow, long-finned species
🧬 Breeding Tips
Tiger Barbs are egg scatterers that breed readily in captivity.
- Use a separate breeding tank with fine mesh or marbles on the bottom to protect eggs.
- Provide slightly warmer water (78–80°F).
- Condition with high-protein foods before spawning.
- Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
💡 Quick Care Tips
- Keep them in groups of six or more to minimize aggression.
- Perform weekly 25–30% water changes.
- Maintain stable water temperature and pH.
- Avoid overcrowding to prevent stress and fin nipping.
