Tiger Barb – Puntigrus tetrazona – 3cm

Tiger Barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona) are colourful, energetic freshwater aquarium fish recognised for their striking black vertical stripes, golden-orange bodies and reddish fins. Their lively swimming behaviour and constant interaction make them an entertaining addition to an appropriately stocked tropical aquarium.

Supplied at approximately 3cm, these young Tiger Barbs are ideal for fishkeepers looking to establish or expand an active shoal. They are best kept in groups of at least 8–10 of their own species, where their natural social behaviour can be enjoyed and fin-nipping towards other fish is less likely.

Tiger Barbs are hardy and relatively easy to care for, but their energetic personalities mean they are better suited to aquariums with similarly active tank mates rather than delicate or long-finned fish.

Why Choose Tiger Barbs?

• Striking Colouration: Distinctive black stripes contrast beautifully with their golden-orange bodies and reddish fins.
• Active Shoaling Behaviour: Constant movement and social interaction create a lively aquarium display.
• Hardy Freshwater Fish: Adaptable to a reasonable range of stable water conditions.
• Excellent Group Display: Particularly attractive when kept in a larger shoal of 8–10 or more.
• Great for Planted Aquariums: Their colours stand out against green aquatic plants and natural aquarium decorations.
• Enthusiastic Feeders: Readily accept quality tropical flakes, small pellets and suitable frozen foods.

Tiger Barb – Fish Profile

• Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona (formerly Puntius tetrazona)
• Common Name: Tiger Barb
• Fish Size Supplied: Approximately 3cm
• Adult Size: Approximately 6–7cm
• Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Temperament: Active, boisterous and potentially fin-nipping
• Minimum Group Size: 8–10, preferably more
• Recommended Aquarium: 90L or larger, with at least 80cm swimming length
• Temperature: 20–26°C
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5 preferred
• Water Hardness: 1–20 dGH
• Diet: Omnivore
• Swimming Level: Middle
• Lifespan: Approximately 5–7 years with suitable care
• Breeding: Egg Scatterer
• Sex: Unsexed Juvenile

Keeping Tiger Barbs in Your Aquarium

Tiger Barbs are active swimmers that appreciate plenty of open space, making a longer aquarium particularly beneficial. A tank of approximately 90 litres or larger with at least 80cm of swimming length is a practical starting point for a properly sized group.

Providing a mixture of open swimming areas, live aquarium plants, driftwood and shaded spaces creates an attractive environment while giving fish somewhere to retreat when needed.

Group size is especially important. Tiger Barbs naturally form social groups with a constantly changing hierarchy. Keeping at least 8–10 together helps distribute their attention among their own species and can reduce harassment of other aquarium inhabitants.

Although Tiger Barbs are relatively hardy, they should always be introduced into a properly cycled aquarium with stable water parameters and appropriate filtration.

Tiger Barb Temperament and Tank Mates

Tiger Barbs have a reputation for nipping fins, particularly when kept in small numbers or cramped aquariums. Their behaviour is generally more manageable in larger groups with adequate swimming room, although fin-nipping cannot be completely eliminated.

Suitable companions may include other active, similarly sized freshwater fish that can comfortably share their water requirements. Some robust rainbowfish, active barbs and compatible bottom-dwelling loaches can be considered in appropriately sized aquariums.

Avoid keeping Tiger Barbs with:

• Long-finned Angelfish
• Male Bettas
• Fancy Guppies with flowing tails
• Slow-moving or timid fish
• Other delicate, long-finned aquarium species

Even when maintained in a larger group, Tiger Barbs may still nip the fins of unsuitable companions. For the most reliable results, choose tank mates carefully or consider a dedicated Tiger Barb aquarium.

Feeding Tiger Barbs

Tiger Barbs are enthusiastic omnivores that readily accept a varied aquarium diet.

A quality tropical flake food or appropriately sized granule should form the foundation of their daily feeding routine. Supplement this with occasional frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.

Including some plant-based ingredients in their diet helps provide balanced nutrition. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, offering only what the fish can consume within a short period.

Browse our fish food range for suitable everyday feeding options.

Are Tiger Barbs Suitable for Beginners?

Tiger Barbs can be a good choice for beginners who understand their social requirements and active temperament.

They tolerate a relatively broad range of water conditions, readily accept prepared foods and are generally straightforward to maintain in an established freshwater aquarium.

However, they are not the best choice for every beginner community tank. Their tendency to nip fins means careful stocking, adequate swimming space and a properly sized shoal are essential.

For fishkeepers wanting a lively aquarium focused on active schooling fish, Tiger Barbs can be an excellent option.

Explore More Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Looking for other active freshwater species? Browse our Barbs for Sale category to explore available Tiger Barbs and other barb varieties.

You can also explore our complete range of live freshwater aquarium fish to find suitable additions to your aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Tiger Barbs should be kept together?

Tiger Barbs should ideally be kept in groups of at least 8–10, with larger groups often producing more natural social behaviour. Keeping too few can increase fin-nipping and aggression towards other fish.

Are Tiger Barbs aggressive?

Tiger Barbs are active, boisterous fish that may nip the fins of other aquarium inhabitants. Larger groups and adequate swimming space can help reduce this behaviour, but they remain unsuitable companions for many slow-moving or long-finned species.

How big do Tiger Barbs grow?

Tiger Barbs typically reach approximately 6–7cm as adults. The fish supplied in this listing are juveniles measuring approximately 3cm.

Can Tiger Barbs live with Guppies?

Tiger Barbs are generally not recommended with fancy Guppies because their flowing tails may attract fin-nipping. A separate aquarium or more suitable tank mates are preferable.

Can Tiger Barbs live with Angelfish?

Tiger Barbs are generally unsuitable companions for Angelfish because they may nip their long fins. This combination is best avoided.

What do Tiger Barbs eat?

Tiger Barbs are omnivores that accept tropical fish flakes, small pellets and granules. Their diet can be supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms.

Are Tiger Barbs suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. Tiger Barbs can thrive in planted freshwater aquariums that provide open swimming areas alongside natural cover. Plants and driftwood help create a comfortable and attractive environment.

What size Tiger Barb will I receive?

This listing is for one juvenile Tiger Barb measuring approximately 3cm. As live fish are individually grown animals, slight natural size and colour variations may occur.

Important Live Fish Information

Quantity Supplied: 1 x Tiger Barb, approximately 3cm.

All fish are live animals, and individual colouration, markings, size and appearance may vary slightly from the product photographs. Juvenile Tiger Barbs may develop stronger colouring as they mature.

For the best results, introduce new fish gradually to an established aquarium with suitable water conditions. Always check compatibility with your existing aquarium inhabitants before purchasing.