Tiger barb
Puntigrus tetrazona · Cyprinidae
Also known as Sumatra barb
Beginner
Fast, nippy shoaler — fine in a group of eight or more, a menace in threes.
In short: A tiger barb needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) and pH 6–7.8. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 8 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Adult size
- 7 cm (2.8 in)
- Group size
- 8+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Hardness
- 4–18 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–7 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Sumatra and Borneo
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Clear, fast forest streams
- Natural conditions
- Warm, soft to medium, moving water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 8 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- Zebra danioBristlenose plecoRainbowfishYoyo loach
- Avoid
- BettaAngelfishGuppyGouramis
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males have a red nose and slimmer body.
- Notes
- Scatters eggs over mesh; remove the adults straight away.
- Common ailments
- IchFin nipping stress in tank mates
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Tiger barb against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanks
