Moss Green Tiger Barb 4cm

Moss Green Tiger Barb
 

The tiger barb is one of the world's most popular and easily recognized tropical aquarium fish species because of its colours, tight schooling behavior, and the larger size it gets to in comparison to other commonly available tetras in the hobby however it is a member of the barb species meaning it is closely related to species like torpedo barbs and rosy barbs. Tiger barbs get their name due to the classic orange and black colouration they sport along with the jet-black stripes however much like many aquarium fish species now available in the aquarium hobby, there are multiple unique variations that are now available through the efforts of selective breeding. One of these unique colour options is the moss green tiger barb which has a very unique jade green body colour with subtle patches of black. They do lack the characteristic tiger stripes but do have a single bar that goes through the eye and bright orange on the tips and nose. Moss green tiger barbs will look especially great against plants, shimmer under aquarium lighting, school amazingly well, and look simple yet elegant. The native range of the base colour tiger barb is the waterways of Sumatra and Borneo. Tiger barbs are also somewhat easily bred in the home aquarium. Though there are no immediate visually distinguishing features between males and females, the key thing to note is that female tiger barbs are generally plumper in comparison to males.

Tank Recommendations for Moss Green Tiger Barbs

The Moss green tiger barb is one of the most active barb species and gets to a fairly decent size of around 7-10 cm. Because of this, the minimum aquarium size would be around 60 liters (20 gallons). Having a longer aquarium would also be better in comparison to something with more height or depth. In terms of the aquascape, a sand substrate is always best but a fine gravel substrate is also okay. adding pieces of branching driftwood would also provide the tiger barbs with some cover and places for them to dart around. They would also thrive in a densely planted aquarium and are perfectly plant safe. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Moss green tiger barbs have developed a name of being a fairly nippy aquarium fish that can damage the fins of other aquarium fish by constantly nipping at them, however, 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. larger semi-aggressive species such as convict cichlids, fire mouths, and kribensis. Also, fish with long flowing fins like angelfish or threadfin acaras. 

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Moss Green Tiger Barbs

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 also happily eat both floating or sinking pellets but a slow sinking pellet would offer the best of both worlds. This should also be supplemented with frozen foods such as blackworms, blood worms, or brine shrimp to bring out optimal health and colours in the fish. Feeding should occur once a day and can occur when lights are on.