Moss Green Tiger Barb 2cm

Moss Green Tiger Barb

The Tiger Barb is one of the world's most popular and easily recognised tropical aquarium fish species because of its colours, tight schooling behaviour and larger size compared to other commonly available tetras in the hobby. However, it is a member of the barb family, meaning it is closely related to species such as torpedo barbs and rosy barbs.

Tiger Barbs get their name from the classic orange and black colouration they display, along with their distinctive jet-black stripes. However, like many aquarium fish now available, there are multiple unique variations produced through selective breeding. One of these is the Moss Green Tiger Barb, which has a unique jade-green body colour with subtle patches of black. They lack the characteristic tiger stripes but have a single bar through the eye, along with bright orange colouring around the tips and nose. Moss Green Tiger Barbs look especially attractive against plants, shimmer under aquarium lighting, school beautifully and have a simple yet elegant appearance.

The native range of the standard Tiger Barb includes the waterways of Sumatra and Borneo. Tiger Barbs are also relatively easy to breed in the home aquarium. Although there are no immediate visual differences between males and females, female Tiger Barbs are generally plumper than males.

Tank Recommendations for your Moss Green Tiger Barb

The Moss Green Tiger Barb is one of the most active barb species and reaches a fairly decent size of around 7–10 cm. Because of this, a minimum aquarium size of around 60 litres (20 gallons) is recommended. A longer aquarium is also preferable to one with greater height or depth.

In terms of aquascaping, a sand substrate is ideal, although fine gravel is also suitable. Adding pieces of branching driftwood will provide the Tiger Barbs with cover and places to explore. They also thrive in densely planted aquariums and are generally plant-safe.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Moss Green Tiger Barbs have developed a reputation for being fairly nippy aquarium fish that can damage the fins of other fish by constantly nipping at them. However, this is more likely to become an issue when only one or two Tiger Barbs are kept or when there isn't enough space for the barbs and their tank mates. To be on the safer side, it is best to avoid fish with long, flowing fins, such as angelfish, or slow-moving fish such as discus. Other than that, Tiger Barbs are a great, active addition to a tropical community aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Apistogramma, corydoras, plecos, dwarf cichlids, larger-bodied tetras, torpedo barbs and a wide range of peaceful community aquarium fish that exceed 5–6 cm in size. Larger peaceful cichlids such as Uaru or severums can also be considered.

Sometimes Compatible

Nano aquarium species such as endlers, guppies and neon tetras. Larger semi-aggressive species such as convict cichlids, firemouths and kribensis may also be considered. Fish with long, flowing fins, such as angelfish or threadfin acara, should also be kept with caution.

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Moss Green Tiger Barb

Moss Green 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 happily eat both floating and sinking pellets, but a slow-sinking pellet offers the best of both worlds. This should also be supplemented with frozen foods such as blackworms, bloodworms or brine shrimp to support optimal health and bring out their best colours. Feeding once a day is generally sufficient and can be done while the aquarium lights are on.