Glo Tiger Barb

Species Profile: Glo Tiger Barb

• Scientific Name: Puntius tetrazona
• Common Name: Glo Tiger Barb (fluorescent varieties include Electric Green, Starfire Red, Sunburst Orange, etc.)
• Adult Size: 2.5 – 3 inches (6 – 7.5 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5 – 7 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native form (Puntius tetrazona) originates from freshwater rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Borneo. Glo Tiger Barbs are tank-bred and do not exist in the wild.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
• Ideal Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 6.0 – 8.0
• Water Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; very active and social. Should be kept in schools of at least 6 to reduce fin-nipping behavior. Avoid slow, long-finned tank mates (like Bettas or Angelfish).

Diet & Nutrition

• Diet: Omnivore
• Preferred Foods: Flake food, micro-pellets, frozen and live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Tips: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Provide a varied diet to enhance color and health.

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate
• Spawning Method: Egg-scatterers. Males chase females around the tank, and eggs are scattered among plants or gravel. No parental care—adults may eat the eggs.
• Breeding Setup: Use a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
• Fry Care: Remove adults post-spawning; fry hatch in 24–48 hours and can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food.

Appearance

• Coloration: Glo Tiger Barbs glow under blue LED lights, with vivid fluorescent colors due to bioengineering (not dyeing or painting). The original black vertical stripes are typically faint or absent.
• Body Shape: Deep-bodied and slightly compressed, with a forked tail and pointed snout.

Distinctive Features

• Energetic swimmers with eye-catching, glowing colors.
• Require a group to thrive and behave properly—schooling reduces aggression.
• Recognized for their lively nature and striking appearance under actinic or blue lighting.
• Hardy and beginner-friendly when kept in appropriate numbers and conditions.