Tiger Barb

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Capoeta tetrazona (also known as Puntigrus tetrazona)
• Common Name: Tiger Barb
• Adult Size: 2.5 to 3 inches (6.5 – 7.5 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 7 years
• Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia – particularly Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula. Found in slow-moving streams and swampy areas with dense vegetation.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger if in groups)
• Ideal Temperature: 74–79°F (23–26°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: 5–19 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  Best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce fin-nipping behavior
  Avoid housing with long-finned, slow-moving fish like Bettas or Angelfish

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – Enjoys:

• High-quality flakes and pellets
• Live or frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia

• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)

Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.

Breeding & Spawning

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
• Breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mop recommended
• Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent egg eating
• Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours

• Fry should be fed infusoria, followed by baby brine shrimp

Appearance

• Body Color: Pale orange-pink or yellowish
• Stripes: Faint, white to peach-colored vertical stripes
• Eyes: Often red or pinkish (albino trait)

• Fins: Slightly orange or transparent, may have light markings

Distinctive Features

• Albino variation of the Tiger Barb, lacks black pigmentation
• Active, fast swimmers – great for active community tanks
• Needs social grouping to avoid aggression

• Best in species-only tanks or with robust tankmates