Platinum Diamond Tiger Barb 2cm

Platinum Diamond Tiger Barb

Even though we already have regular, long-fin, gold, and green tiger barbs, the art of captive breeding brings another colour variation of this beloved fish to the list. The platinum diamonds tiger barb is the newest entry and offers a bright new take to the standard tiger barb whilst almost looking like a totally different species. Aside from their bright white 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 platinum diamond tiger barbs are easily recognized by their icy white body colour. The pure platinum white colour contacted by red eyes and orange tips on the fin and nose really make this fish stand out not only against other tiger barb colours but just any aquarium fish in general. This pure white or golden colour is quite hard to come by in the aquarium hobby and these fish would look stellar in a lush, green-planted aquarium. They will also have great schooling behaviour and get larger than most common tetras so just imagine a nice school of bright white fish that absolutely shine under aquarium lights… well that is the platinum tiger barb for you. 

Tiger barbs are also somewhat easily bred in the home aquarium which is why there always seems to be a new and crazy colour variation of this species. 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. Females can be conditioned to develop eggs by feeding them some protein-rich foods like live brine shrimp. Females will then scatter eggs in the aquarium which males follow and fertilize, aquarists often breed these fish in dedicated aquariums with spacing mops that collect the eggs in their fibres. 

Tank Recommendations for Platinum Diamond 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 tiger barbs reach around 7 cm. Since tiger barbs are a mid-water dwelling fish the substrate of our hardscape choices is 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 that 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 5-6 cm in 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. Species like angelfish can be avoided because of the long trailing fins. 

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Platinum Diamond Tiger Barbs

Platinum 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 black worms, blood worms or brine shrimp to bring out optimal health and colours in the fish.