A boisterous gold-and-black striped barb with a genuine mischievous streak. Kept in a big shoal it dazzles; kept alone it becomes the tank's fin-nipping menace.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Skin conditions
- Swim bladder disorder
Care at a glance
- ExerciseHigh
A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.
- GroomingEasy tank upkeep
No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceFor experienced owners
Rewards owners who know the ropes.
- Commitment5–7 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Skin conditions
📖 Care guide
The tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is an active, boldly striped cyprinid from the rivers and streams of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia and Malaysia. It grows to about 7 cm and lives 5–7 years. Its four black bars over a golden body, often with red-tipped fins, make it a longtime aquarium favourite. Tiger barbs are fast, energetic shoalers that must be kept in groups of six or more — ideally eight to ten — in a tank of 75 litres or more. Keep them at 24–28°C with a pH of 6.0–7.5, with plants around the edges and plenty of open swimming space. A large shoal is not optional: it keeps their busy energy directed at each other. They are hardy omnivores that eat flake, pellets, and frozen or live foods eagerly. Their reputation as fin-nippers is well earned; kept in small numbers they harass tankmates, so avoid slow, long-finned fish like bettas, angelfish and guppies, and pair them instead with brisk species. Their occasional ich and fin rot follow poor water or chilling and are prevented by clean, stable conditions and a proper-sized shoal.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Tiger Barb?
High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.
How much maintenance does a Tiger Barb need?
Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
What tank size does a Tiger Barb need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Tiger Barb a good fit for first-time owners?
For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.
How long do Tiger Barb live?
5–7 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Tiger Barb?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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