Tiger Barb | Puntigrus tetrazona
Tiger Barb | Puntigrus tetrazona
Key Specs
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Arrives by Wed, Mar 25
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About this item
Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)
The Tiger Barb is one of the most popular and recognizable freshwater aquarium fish in the hobby. Known for its bright orange body and bold black vertical stripes, this energetic species brings constant movement and personality to any aquarium.
Tiger Barbs are active schooling fish that thrive when kept in groups. Their playful and curious nature makes them a favorite among aquarists who enjoy lively community tanks. When kept in a proper school, their synchronized swimming creates an impressive display of color and motion.
Why Aquarists Love Tiger Barbs
• Classic orange body with bold black tiger-like stripes
• Very active schooling fish
• Hardy and adaptable to many aquarium conditions
• Great for lively community aquariums
Behavior & Compatibility
Tiger Barbs are active and social fish that should always be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. Larger schools help reduce aggression and encourage natural schooling behavior.
They are considered semi-aggressive and may occasionally nip at slow-moving fish with long fins.
Suitable tank mates include:
• Other barbs
• Danios
• Rasboras
• Rainbowfish
• Active community fish
Avoid keeping Tiger Barbs with:
• Angelfish
• Betta fish
• Long-finned gouramis
• Slow-moving species
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Tiger Barbs thrive in well-established aquariums with open swimming space and planted areas for cover.
Recommended aquarium features include:
• Live plants such as Java Fern or Vallisneria
• Driftwood and rocks for structure
• Open swimming areas
• Moderate water flow
A larger aquarium allows Tiger Barbs to swim freely and display their natural schooling behavior.
Diet and Feeding
Tiger Barbs are omnivores and will readily accept a wide variety of foods.
Recommended foods include:
• High-quality flakes
• Small pellets
• Frozen bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
A varied diet helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration.
Recommended Tank Parameters
Temperature: 72 – 79°F (22 – 26°C)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
KH: 4 – 10 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
A larger tank is recommended for keeping larger groups.
Size Information
Average Adult Size:
2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm)
Typical Sale Size:
0.75 – 1.5 inches
Origin
Tiger Barbs are native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Borneo, and Sumatra, where they inhabit slow-moving streams and rivers with dense vegetation.
Add energy and vibrant color to your aquarium with the Tiger Barb, a hardy and lively freshwater fish that thrives in active community tanks. 🐠
Reviews
Customers are saying
Customers express satisfaction with this fish's vibrant coloration and healthy arrival condition. The elegant fin structure is frequently praised as a standout feature. Some buyers note that the fish can be a picky eater initially but adjusts well over time. Overall, reviewers recommend this as an excellent centerpiece fish for medium to large aquariums.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Top Mentions
Beautiful addition to my reef!
The fish arrived in perfect condition. Packaging was triple insulated with heat packs. Acclimation was smooth and it was eating frozen mysis within 2 hours of introduction. AquaEditorial never disappoints.
Great value for the price
Exactly as described. Fast shipping and very well packed.
Good but picky eater
Beautiful specimen, arrived healthy. Takes a while to adjust to new food but eventually started eating pellets. Great addition to my South American cichlid tank.
FAQs
What temperature should I keep the tank at for this fish?
Great question! We recommend maintaining a water temperature of 82–86°F (28–30°C). Discus are tropical fish and thrive in warm, stable water conditions. A reliable heater with a thermostat is essential.
Can I keep this with other fish in a community tank?
Yes! Discus are peaceful and social. They do best with calm tank mates like Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Corydoras Catfish. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that may stress them.
What size tank do I need for a small group?
We recommend a minimum of 55 gallons for a small group of discus. They need spacious aquariums with open swimming areas, live plants, driftwood, and gentle filtration.
What should I feed them?
Discus are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. We recommend high-quality discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart mixes. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration.
Do you guarantee live arrival?
Absolutely! All live fish are shipped with our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If there are any issues upon delivery, contact us within 2 hours with photos and we'll make it right.
