Black Finned Tiger Barb 3.5cm

Black Finned Tiger Barb

Tiger Barbs have been one of the most popular schooling fish in the aquarium hobby for generations, and for good reason. They are incredibly hardy, constantly active, and available in an ever-growing range of selectively bred colour variations. The Black Finned Tiger Barb takes the classic appearance of this species and enhances the darker pigmentation through the fins, creating a fish that retains the instantly recognisable Tiger Barb pattern whilst having a slightly bolder appearance.

The Black Finned Tiger Barb develops the familiar golden to orange body of a standard Tiger Barb with four bold, jet-black vertical bands running across the body. What really separates this variety is the increased dark pigmentation through the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, which can become almost completely black in well-coloured adults. Mature males often develop intense orange to crimson colouration around the face and belly, which creates an amazing contrast against these dark fins. The golden scales can also develop subtle metallic green highlights under strong aquarium lighting. Kept in a large school, the constant flashes of orange, gold, and black make these fish incredibly entertaining to watch.

Sexing Black Finned Tiger Barbs is relatively straightforward once mature. Males generally remain slightly smaller and develop stronger red colouration around the nose and fins, whilst females become deeper-bodied, particularly when carrying eggs. Like other Tiger Barbs, they are egg scatterers and will deposit adhesive eggs amongst fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The adults provide no parental care and may readily eat their own eggs, so breeders will normally separate the adults following spawning.

Tank Recommendations for your Black Finned Tiger Barb

Black Finned Tiger Barbs should always be maintained in schools of at least 6–8 fish, with larger groups helping to distribute their natural fin-nipping behaviour. A minimum aquarium size of 100 litres is recommended.

A planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space provides the ideal environment for these incredibly active fish. Sand or gravel substrates are both perfectly suitable, whilst lush green plants create a fantastic contrast against the orange body and dark finnage. Moderate filtration and water movement will also be greatly appreciated.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Black Finned Tiger Barbs are active, semi-peaceful community fish; however, their tendency to nip fins needs to be considered when selecting tank mates.

Usually Compatible

Rosy barbs, other Tiger Barb varieties, danios, rainbowfish, Congo tetras, corydoras, bristlenose catfish, and other active community fish that can comfortably match their behaviour.

Sometimes Compatible

Peaceful medium-growing cichlids, larger gouramis, and robust tetras can be suitable in larger aquariums; however, individuals should be monitored for excessive fin nipping.

Rarely Compatible

Bettas, guppies, angelfish, and other slow-moving or long-finned fish should generally be avoided, as their fins can become a target for persistent Tiger Barbs.

Feeding your Black Finned Tiger Barb

Black Finned Tiger Barbs are incredibly easy to feed and will readily take pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. The ideal diet would be a good-quality floating pellet or flake supplemented with frozen bloodworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp. A varied diet will help maintain their rich orange body colour and contrasting dark finnage.