Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Also sold as Green tiger barb · Albino tiger barb
Synonyms Puntius tetrazona · Barbus tetrazona · Sumatra barb
Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 7 cm (2.8 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 80 L (21 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 80 L (21 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 5–19 |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Tiger Barb needs at least 80 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- Do not put it with Angelfish and Betta.
- It can go wrong with Dwarf Gourami, Honey Gourami and Pearl Gourami — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It nips fins, so long-finned fish are a bad match.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 103% of what a 60H Tall will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 80 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 5–19.
How long does it live?
5–7 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Tiger Barb | Odessa Barb | Gold Barb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 7 cm | 7 cm | 7.5 cm |
| Min tank | 80 L | 80 L | 81 L |
| Group | 8+ | 8+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 64–77°F (18–25°C) | 61–75°F (16–24°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | — |
More livestock
Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankbuildyouraquarium.com
- What it eatsaquaticarts.com
- Mature tankbuildyouraquarium.com
- en.wikipedia.org
- fishlaboratory.com