Tiger Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

Formerly: Barbus tetrazona, Puntius tetrazona

Bold, striped, and energetic — notorious fin-nippers unless kept in big groups.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

4–15 dGH

Max size

2.8 in

Min tank

20 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Schooling (8+)

Swim level

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Beginner

Lifespan

5-7 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Common

Origin

Sumatra and Borneo

Tiger barbs nip fins relentlessly in small numbers; a group of eight or more keeps the aggression turned inward. Never pair them with bettas, angelfish, or other slow long-finned fish.