Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
74-82°F (23-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
6 years
School Size
8+ fish
About Tiger Barb
The tiger barb is an energetic, boldly patterned fish from the rivers of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. Its golden-orange body is crossed by four distinctive black vertical bars, creating the tiger-like pattern that gives it its name. Popular color variants include green tiger barbs with a dark, iridescent body and albino tiger barbs with creamy bodies and faint bars. Tiger barbs are notorious fin nippers, but this behavior is almost entirely a result of being kept in too-small groups. In a proper school of eight or more, they direct their boisterous energy into fascinating intra-school hierarchy displays rather than harassing other species. A large school of tiger barbs in constant, active motion is one of the most dynamic displays in freshwater fishkeeping.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
The single most important rule for tiger barbs is keeping them in large groups of at least eight, ideally twelve or more. In small groups, they become relentless fin nippers that terrorize tankmates. In proper schools, they focus on establishing their own pecking order through harmless chasing and sparring. Even in large groups, avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas, angelfish, or fancy guppies. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 74-79°F in a tank of at least 30 gallons with open swimming space. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen foods. Tiger barbs are hardy, active fish that provide endless entertainment when kept correctly.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
6yr
Lifespan
8+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Tiger Barb
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Tank Mates for Tiger Barb
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
easy · 30+ gal
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
easy · 20+ gal
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
easy · 20+ gal
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
easy · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Tiger Barb need?
A Tiger Barb needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 8.
What water parameters does a Tiger Barb need?
Tiger Barb thrive in water between 74-82°F (23-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Tiger Barb easy to care for?
Tiger Barb are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Tiger Barb get and what do they eat?
Tiger Barb reach about 3 inches and are omnivores. The single most important rule for tiger barbs is keeping them in large groups of at least eight, ideally twelve or more. In small groups, they become relentless fin nippers that terrorize tankmates. In proper schools, they focus on establishing their own pecking order through harmless chasing and sparring. Even in large groups, avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas, angelfish, or fancy guppies. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 74-79°F in a tank of at least 30 gallons with open swimming space. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen foods. Tiger barbs are hardy, active fish that provide endless entertainment when kept correctly.