Tiger Barb 1.5cm

Tiger Barb

The tiger barb is one of the worlds most popular and easily recognised tropical aquarium fish species because of its colours, tight schooling behaviour 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 apparent tiger stripes.

The base colour for these fish can range from orange to bright yellow but they develop a bright sunburst orange especially on the tips of their fins and nose. Tiger barbs look great against plants or even in a biotope style aquarium, they 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 Tiger Barbs

The 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 litres (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

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 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. Also 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 Tiger Barbs

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.