Golden Tiger Barb 3cm

Golden Tiger Barb

Different colour variations of tiger barbs are coming into the aquarium hobby by complete surprise, what started as the humble orange and black fish now comes in long fin, platinum, and even green. One of the first and most classic strains is the golden tiger barb. Aside from their shimmering colour, the care requirements are exactly the same as any of the other colour variations, which means that you could totally have a jelly bean type assortment of tiger barb colours in your aquarium.

The Golden Tiger Barb, as the name suggests, is a stunning, bright variation of the classic tiger barb. Their body carries a vivid, metallic gold tone, which is contrasted beautifully by the deep black vertical stripes that tiger barbs are famous for. Unlike the moss green or platinum types, the golden tiger barb retains the classic tiger barb appearance but elevates it with a vibrant, gleaming gold body. The fins remain highlighted with hints of red and orange, adding even more contrast and vibrancy. A school of these dazzling golden fish shimmering under good aquarium lighting would be a true highlight in a lush, planted aquarium or even a hardscape-only setup.

Tiger barbs are also somewhat easily bred in the home aquarium, which is why there always seems to be a new and exciting colour variation of this species. Though there are no immediate visually distinguishing features between males and females, the key things to note are that female tiger barbs are generally more plump in comparison to males. Females can be conditioned to develop eggs by feeding them protein-rich foods like live brine shrimp. Females will then scatter eggs in the aquarium, which males follow and fertilise. Aquarists often breed these fish in dedicated aquariums with spawning mops that collect the eggs in their fibres.

Tank Recommendations for Golden Tiger Barb

Tiger barbs, in general, are very active fish, so they do need an aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres. This can house a school of around 6 individual fish; however, a larger aquarium will always be better as platinum moss green tiger barbs reach around 7 cm. Since tiger barbs are midwater-dwelling fish, the substrate or hardscape choices are not of major concern. Giving them tall pieces of driftwood and plants they can swim around will look quite nice, but a lot of creative liberty can be taken to highlight this fish.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Tiger barbs have developed to name to be fairly nippy aquarium fish which can damage the fins of other aquarium fish by constantly nipping at them. This is only an issue if one or two tiger barbs are kept or there is not enough space provided for the barbs along with other tank mates. If you are looking to be on the safer side, it would be best to avoid fish with long flowing fins like angelfish or slow-moving fish like discus is best. Other than that, tiger barbs are a great active addition to a tropical community aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Apistogramma, Corydoras, plecos, dwarf cichlids, larger body tetras, torpedo barbs, and a wide range of peaceful community aquarium fish, which exceed the 5-6 cm size. Larger peaceful cichlids like Uaru or severums can also be considered.

Sometimes Compatible

Nano aquarium species such as endlers or guppies, as well as neon tetras. Also, larger semi-aggressive species such as convict cichlids, fire mouths, and kribensis. Also, fish with long flowing fins like angel fish or threadfin acaras.

Rarely Compatible

Larger cichlids such as oscars, jaguar cichlids, African cichlids, and shrimp.

Feeding your Golden Tiger Barbs

Golden tiger barbs, like most common tropical aquarium fish, are very easy to feed. They should be given a good quality, high-protein pellet or flake food. They can also happily eat both floating and sinking pellets, but a slow-sinking pellet would offer the best of both worlds. This should also be supplemented with frozen foods such as black worms, bloodworms, or brine shrimp to bring out optimal health and colours in the fish.