A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Tiger Barb At a Glance
Tiger Barb Tank Requirements
Will Tiger Barb fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Tiger Barb needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Tiger Barb against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Tiger Barb Water Parameters
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Tiger Barb Temperament & Compatibility
Tiger Barb Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Wild Type)
The classic, silver-gold body with four prominent vertical black stripes and red accents on the fins and snout.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Regular, Striped
Green / Moss Barb
A popular color morph where the black stripes merge and widen to cover the entire body in a beautiful metallic green or blue/black sheen. Care and behavior are identical to the wild type.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Green Tiger Barb, Moss Green, Mutant Barb
Albino / Gold
Lacks black pigment, resulting in a yellow/orange body with white bands. Can be slightly more sensitive to excessively bright lighting, but otherwise shares the same boisterous temperament.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Tiger Barb, Golden, Blushing
GloFish (Fluorescent)
Genetically modified with jellyfish/coral proteins to express bright fluorescent colors under blue/actinic lighting. Temperament and care requirements remain identical to standard Tiger Barbs.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Glo, Electric Green, Starfire Red, Sunburst Orange, Galactic Purple
Long-Finned
Selectively bred for highly extended fins. Ironically, while they are still fin-nippers themselves, their long fins make them slower swimmers and susceptible to being nipped by standard short-finned Tiger Barbs. Requires slightly less flow.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Veiltail Tiger Barb, Longfin
Tiger Barb Care Guide Summary
The Tiger Barb, scientifically known as Puntigrus tetrazona, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Tiger Barb requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 1–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Tiger Barb is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 5 varieties: Standard (Wild Type), Green / Moss Barb, Albino / Gold, GloFish (Fluorescent), and Long-Finned. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Tiger Barb Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Tiger Barb, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Tiger Barb Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Tiger Barb is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Tiger Barb Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Tiger Barb.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Tiger Barb Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Tiger Barb will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Barb
How big does Tiger Barb get?
Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Tiger Barb need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Tiger Barb. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Tiger Barb need?
Tiger Barb thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 1–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Tiger Barb peaceful or aggressive?
Tiger Barb is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
How many Tiger Barb should be kept together?
Tiger Barb is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Tiger Barb have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Tiger Barb benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Tiger Barb
These plants pair well with Tiger Barb based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Tiger Barb
Five Banded Barb
Desmopuntius pentazona
A small, peaceful, and beautifully colored schooling cyprinid native to the blackwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Often confused with the much more aggressive Tiger Barb, the Five Banded Barb is entirely peaceful and will not nip fins. They are somewhat shy and require a well-planted tank with dim lighting or floating plants to feel secure and show their best reddish-orange colors.
Black Ruby Barb
Pethia nigrofasciata
An active, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded forest streams of Sri Lanka. They are peaceful but highly energetic, making excellent community fish for cooler tropical setups. Unlike the notorious Tiger Barb, Black Rubies are generally peaceful and rarely nip fins, provided they are kept in a proper shoal of at least 6. Their deep colors emerge best in heavily planted, slightly dim environments.
Chinese Barb (Green Barb)
Puntius semifasciolatus
A hardy, active, and peaceful schooling cyprinid originally from the Red River basin in Asia. While the wild form is a metallic green/silver, a highly popular selectively bred yellow morph (the 'Gold Barb') dominates the aquarium trade. They are distinctly subtropical and thrive in unheated or cooler water setups.
Melon Barb
Haludaria fasciata
An active, schooling cyprinid endemic to the flowing rivers of Southern India. They are named for the stunning red/pink 'melon' coloration males develop, which contrasts beautifully with their dark vertical bands. They are energetic swimmers that require plenty of open swimming space and must be kept in groups to curb potential fin-nipping behavior.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.
Arulius Barb
Dawkinsia arulius
A robust, highly active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers of southern India. Known for their striking vertical bars and the beautiful dorsal fin extensions developed by mature males. Because of their energetic swimming habits and size, they require highly oxygenated water, decent current, and a spacious aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming room.