Welcome to Gaia! ::

NOTE: This care guide was copied from the care guide I wrote on aqcenter.net (username onidrase). This is why the format is different. It was still written by me.

COMMON NAME Tiger Barb

SCIENTIFIC NAME Puntius tetrazona

FAMILY Cyprinidae

ORIGIN Sumatra

MAXIMUM SIZE 2.5", 6cm

TEMPERATURE RANGE 74-78"F, 23-26C

CARE Hardy, undemanding barb, but can be somewhat prone to mouth rot if water is unkempt. Prefers soft, acidic water, but will live in a wide array of conditions with no issues. Should be kept in a group of at least 6, though a larger group would be best, as these fish enjoy squabbling with each other, and can get carried away. A 36" tank would be a good minimum size for these fish. These fish can be nippy, but they aren't nearly as overbearing as some people make them out to be. They can be kept with fish that don't have long fins and can keep up with the flow of the tank. Some tiger barbs have monstrous personalities and may n** at everything that goes by them, but this is a case to case scenario, and should not bash the species as a whole.

FEEDING - Extremely ravenous, will accept anything you put in the tank, and will even nibble at your arm while your cleaning once the school has settled into the tank. These fish thoroughly enjoy worms and small shrimp. Be careful not to overfeed these fish, they can be prone to bloat due to over feeding. No matter how full they are, they'll act like they're starving whenever you walk by the tank.

SEXING Females are wider bodied, and males have a red coloration on their nose, as well as a more solid, prominent red stripe on their dorsal fin.

OTHER Some of the most interesting, entertaining schooling fish I've ever owned. The males enjoy squabbling with each other, locking heads and spinning in circles while showing off their best colors, fighting for the females in the tank. They are very active and curious, exploring every nook and cranny in their group. These fish also swim somewhat vertically, or "headstand" whenever sleeping, displaying submission, or digesting a big meal, this behavior is nothing to fret about. They are also brave enough to come and nibble at you, or even gravel siphoners when they're in the tank, rather than running and hiding. Beautiful, personable, amusing fish, very easy to fall in love with, as long as you keep them in the right community.