Platinum Tiger Barb 4cm

Platinum 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 tiger barb is the newest entry and offers a bright new take on the standard tiger barb, while 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 have a jellybean-type assortment of tiger barb colours in your aquarium.

The platinum tiger barbs are easily recognised by their icy white body colour. The pure platinum white colour, contrasted by red eyes and orange tips on the fins and nose, really makes this fish stand out—not only against other tiger barb colours, but among 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 also have great schooling behaviour and grow 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 easy to breed in the home aquarium, which is why there always seems to be a new and unique colour variation of this species. Though there are no immediately obvious visual differences between males and females, the key thing to note is 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. They 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 Platinum 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 mid-water-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 freedom can be taken to highlight this fish.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Tiger barbs have developed a reputation for being fairly nippy aquarium fish, which can damage the fins of other fish by constantly nipping at them. This is usually only an issue if one or two tiger barbs are kept or if 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 is best to avoid fish with long, flowing fins like angelfish, or slow-moving fish like 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 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 and kribensis.

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding Your Platinum 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 blackworms, bloodworms, or brine shrimp to bring out optimal health and colours in the fish.