Live Fish Notice: Barbs, danios, sharks, and other live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We are not shipping live fish at this time.
Shop our selection of freshwater barbs, the active, hardy schooling fish that bring nonstop energy and color to a community aquarium. Barbs are fast, playful, and wonderfully easy to keep, which makes them a favorite for both beginners and experienced hobbyists who want a lively, dynamic tank. At Tropical Treasures in Cheyenne we hand-select healthy, well-conditioned barbs so you bring home fish that are active and ready to school.
Barbs belong to the cyprinid family alongside danios and rasboras, and like their relatives they're happiest in groups. Keep them in numbers and you'll see better color, more natural behavior, and far less fin-nipping.
Popular Barb Varieties
Our barb selection rotates with each shipment, but you'll frequently find favorites like:
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Cherry barbs — peaceful, bright-red, and one of the most community-friendly barbs.
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Tiger & albino tiger barbs — bold, fast schoolers best kept in larger groups.
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Odessa & black ruby barbs — striking color that intensifies as they mature.
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Roseline (Denison) sharks & danios — active torpedo-shaped cyprinids that love current.
For more on keeping active schoolers happy, see our guide to the best schooling fish for freshwater aquariums.
Barb Care Tips
Barbs are hardy and adaptable, but they still need a fully cycled, stable aquarium with good filtration and plenty of swimming room. Keep them in groups of six or more of the same species to spread out their energy and reduce nipping. They appreciate open water for swimming along with live plants and driftwood for cover. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods, and keep up with regular water changes to keep their color vivid.
Best Tank Mates for Barbs
Peaceful barbs like cherry barbs mix well with most community fish, including tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, and peaceful loaches. More boisterous species like tiger barbs do best with other fast, robust fish and should be kept away from long-finned tankmates such as fancy guppies or bettas, which can become targets for fin-nipping.
FAQ: Barbs & Cyprinids
Do barbs nip fins?
Some barbs can nip fins, especially Tiger Barbs kept in small groups. Keeping them in larger schools of six or more helps spread out their energy and can reduce nipping. Avoid pairing fin-nipping species with slow, long-finned fish like bettas or fancy guppies.
How many barbs should I keep together?
Most barbs do best in groups of at least six of the same species. Larger groups often show better color, more natural schooling behavior, and less stress.
Are barbs good for beginners?
Yes. Many barbs are hardy and active, making them a good choice once the aquarium is fully cycled. Cherry Barbs are one of the best beginner-friendly options because they are smaller and more peaceful.
What size tank do barbs need?
A 20-gallon or larger aquarium is best for many smaller barb species. Larger or faster species, such as Tiger Barbs, Roseline Sharks, and other active cyprinids, need more swimming space and do better in longer aquariums.
Can barbs live with tetras and rasboras?
Peaceful barbs, such as Cherry Barbs, can often live with tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other peaceful community fish. More active or nippy species should be kept with faster, sturdy tankmates.
Stop by Tropical Treasures in Cheyenne or call us at 307-369-1118 and we'll help you pick the right barbs for your tank size and community. We're always happy to talk schooling fish before you buy.
