Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They have a highly boisterous, bold, and aggressive temperament. Their constant chasing and sparring is completely natural behavior. They add unparalleled motion and energy to large display aquariums.

Diet

Omnivore

They are ravenous omnivores requiring a balanced daily diet. Flakes, granules, and frozen foods are all attacked with immense vigor. Offering occasional blanched vegetables supports their digestive tract health.

Sex ratio

School

A large mixed shoal of at least ten is highly recommended. This large number forces them to chase each other instead of tankmates. Males develop stunning red noses when establishing the hierarchy.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feed them twice daily in amounts they consume instantly. They are highly prone to overeating and subsequent bloating. Avoid floating foods that cause them to gulp excessive air.

Bioload

The classic Tiger Barb generates a moderate but noticeable bioload. Their manic activity levels mean they process food very quickly. Efficient filtration and regular maintenance are critical for success.

Flow

Stagnant

They prefer a moderate to strong water flow environment. Powerheads encourage them to swim against the current playfully. High oxygenation is necessary to support their frenetic lifestyle.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are prolific egg-scatterers under the right conditions. A separate breeding tank with a mesh bottom saves the eggs. They provide no care and eat fry indiscriminately.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are infamous for being semi-aggressive fin-nippers. Housing them with slow-moving fish like Guppies is a terrible idea. Keep them strictly with fast, short-finned, and robust tankmates.

Tank level

Middle

They relentlessly patrol the mid-water column of the aquarium. They utilize all open swimming spaces with incredible speed. They rarely venture to the absolute bottom or surface.