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Tiger BarbSumatra barb ~ Partbelt barb ~ TirgerFamily: Cyprinidae Puntius tetrazonaPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More I used to have a school of five tigers. But I don't seem to be able to keep a good school, because I always end up with just one left! He's about 2 years old, and... (more) Des The flashy colorful Tiger Barb is not only hardy and easy to keep but is a real lively, fun to watch fish!Tiger Barb Contents Once called the "Sumatranus" because it came from Sumatra, the Tiger Barb has been a popular fish for a long time. It is a standard favorite in the aquarium world. It will eat all all kinds of foods and is fairly easy to breed. A great fish for the beginner and advanced aquarist alike, though they can be nippy with their tank mates. The Tiger Barb is the largest of the 'banded barbs' and has a gaily colored yellow to red body with four very distinctive black stripes. There are several varieties and 'color morphs' of this barb, some of which are also now very popular. These include the Albino Tiger Barb, the Longfin Tiger Barb, and the Green ('moss') Tiger Barb. Though when mature, their colors do tend to fade a bit, a school of these playful and attractive fish in a nice sized aquarium makes an awesome display! These active fast swimming fish need company. The Tiger Barb does best in a school of at least six or seven fishes where they establish a "pecking order". They have been known to nip the fins of slower moving and long-finned fish such as gouramis and angelfish, but this problem seems to be demonstrated when they are being kept individually or in a smaller group. Presumably in a larger school they are too busy chasing each other to bother with their other tankmates. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Tiger Barb was described by Bleeker in 1855. They are found in Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo, and possibly Thailand. Many are captive bred for the aquarium industry.
- Scientific Name: Puntius tetrazona
- Social Grouping: Groups - For coloration and to spread out any aggression, it is best to keep Tiger Barbs in schoold of 5 or more.
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The body of the Tiger Barb is a gaily colored yellow to red background with four very distinctive black stripes. There is red on the outside of the dorsal fins as well as on the tail and ventral fins. When in spawning mode they have a bright red snout.
- Maximum Size: 3.0 inches (7.62 cm)
- Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
Since they are omnivorous the Tiger Barb will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.
An aquarium best suited to the Tiger Barb should have a fine gravel bottom with plants around the inside perimeter along the sides and back, leaving lots of open swimming space. They are susceptible to ich.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day - This fish will eat as much as you feed them so the aquarist should determine a reasonable amount.
- Water Changes: Monthly
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 68.0 - 79.0° F (20.0 - 26.1° C)
- Range ph: 6.5-7.5 - Hobbyists intending to breed their stock should keep the water slightly acid (to 6.5).
- Hardness Range: 2 - 30 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: All - These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium, but prefer the middle of the aquarium.
The lively Tiger Barb makes a good community fish, especially with other fast moving fish. They have been known to get a bit nippy, especially when kept singly or in very small groups so it is a good idea to get at least six or seven. Then they bother each other instead of the other tank inhabitants.
Some sources do not recommend them as a community fish because of this tendency to nip the fins of slow moving and long-finned fishes, such as gouramis and angelfish.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive - Groups of this fish will be hierarchal. It is a good idea to keep them in a school of at least six to diffuse some of their aggressive tendencies amongst themselves so as to prevent bullying of other fish. A singly kept fish will be highly aggressive. Tiger Barbs will nip the fins of slower moving fish such as angelfish or gouramis.
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Monitor
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor - This is a rather quick fish at feeding time. Make sure any slower fish get enough to eat if you are keeping them with barbs.
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
The female is heavier especially during the spawning season. The males are more brightly colored and smaller. During spawning they will develop a very red nose.
The Tiger Barbs are egg layers. See the description of breeding techniques in Breeding Freshwater Fish.
- Ease of Breeding: Moderate
The immensely popular Tiger Barb is available basically anywhere, both in stores and online. Prices range about $2.00 - $7.00 USD per individual, depending on size. The Longfin Tiger Barb variety is a bit more rare.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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