Tiger Barb Care Guide
Puntigrus tetrazona · Easy care · 20 gallon minimum
Bold and active, but a notorious fin-nipper unless kept in a group of 8+ to spread out the chasing.
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How big does a tiger barb get?
A tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) reaches about 3.0 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a tiger barb a minimum of 20 gallons, with water at 68–79°F and a pH of 6–8. Keep them in groups of at least 8 — they are shoaling fish and become stressed and washed-out alone. As a easy-care, omnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a tiger barb with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the tiger barb
The tiger barb or Sumatra barb, is a species of tropical cyprinid fish.
Recommended gear for tiger barbs
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