The Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is a popular freshwater fish known for its active nature and striking black stripes on an orange-gold body.
Basic Information:
• Maximum Size: Around 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm)
• Native From: Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra
• Growth Rate: They grow quickly and can reach full size within 6-12 months
• Life Span: Typically 5-7 years with proper care
• Diet: Omnivorous – they eat both plant-based and protein-rich foods such as flakes, pellets, bloodworms, and brine shrimp
Breeding & Tank Setup:
• Breeding Season: They breed readily in captivity, especially in warmer water around 77-80°F (25-27°C)
• Breeding Behavior: They are egg scatterers; females lay eggs that males fertilize, and parents should be removed after spawning to prevent egg predation
Best Tank Mates:
Tiger Barbs can be fin-nippers, so they do best with fast-moving or semi-aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include:
• Other Tiger Barbs (keep in groups of 6 or more to reduce aggression)
• Rosy Barbs
• Cherry Barbs
• Danios (Zebra Danios, Giant Danios)
• Clown Loaches
• Corydoras Catfish
• Plecos
Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish like Angelfish, Betta fish, and Guppies, as Tiger Barbs may nip at their fins.
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