Fish care
Tiger Barb: Complete Care Guide
Last updated: May 2026
Summary
Structured care sheet for Tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona). Validate every purchase with the free aquarium stocking calculator, parameter testing habits, and the species database table.
- Cross-check length and temperature against the species explorer.
- Track nitrate drift weekly once the tank has cycled.
- Refer to the species hub for long-form tank mate essays.
Max size8 cm / 3.1in
Temperature22-26°C / 72–79°F
pH range6–7
Min tank size80 L / 21 US gal
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentSemi-aggressive shoaling
DietOmnivore
Swim zoneVaries
Schooling defuses drama
Below six individuals, tiger barbs shred long fins and stress centrepieces. Oversized schools in adequate lengths channel energy into intraspecies sparring instead of maiming angelfish.
Tank mate realism
Avoid slow ornamental bettas, veil guppies, and threadfin rainbows unless you enjoy shredded caudals—lean toward equally boisterous dither fish and dense structure.
See tank mate combinations tuned to temperament overlap.
Browser calculator stays free. The app only matters if you want several tanks, photos, and test history on your phone.
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