A General Guide to Barbs

Tiger Barb

Family: Cyprinidae Common name: Tiger Barb, Sumatra Barb, Rosy Barb,

Tinfoil Barb, Cherry Barb, Gold Barb, Albino Barb, many others…

Native to: Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo

Average size: 3 inches

Average Life span: 6 years

Tank Region: Mid-Level

Temp: 68 to 78 degrees F

Semi-aggressive (depending) / Community (depending)

One of the most active community fish, the tiger barb features distinct black stripes on its diamond shaped body. The many varieties of Tiger Barbs include the Green and Albino variety. The Tiger Barb is best kept in groups of 6 or more, or it will furiously nip the fins of other fish. The long, swaying fins of the Angelfish are especially vulnerable to be nipped off from Tiger Barbs. I believe that Tiger Barbs are more active in larger groups, too. A tank full of a community of Tiger Barbs can create an exotic display by themselves. They are very fast swimmers and can be formidable mates (in large enough groups) for Oscars or Pacus in a large enough tank.

TANKMATES: NOT recommended to be kept with Angel Fish, Tetras, Glofish, Mollies, Platys, Guppies. Best kept with other barbs. Most members can be kept with other fish of the same size and temperament. Really good ones to keep are the Cherry barb, Rosy barb and all members from the families Rasboraand Bracydanio. Members from the species Puntius cannot be kept with calm, slow moving long finned fish, as they tend to nibble and nip on the fins. Some like the Tin Foil Barb and the Clown Loach will get too large for most community setups and others like Epalzeorhynchos bicolor (Red tail Black shark) should be kept as single specimens. It is imperative to research any fish before purchasing and adding it to your aquarium. Can hold their own, in a large enough tank, with most Cichlids, as these guys are fast. Groups are recommended!

Albino Barb

SCHOOLING: Unlike many other species of fish that won’t school with their exact own kind (Neon Tetras won’t school with Glowlight Tetras, Red Glofish Danios won’t school with Giant Danios, etc.), Barbs will keep together. In other words, 2 Tiger barbs, 2 Albino barbs, and 2 Green barbs will form to one school.

Green Barb

ENVIRONMENT: The tank should be set up in dark colors, densely planted, but leaving open spaces for swimming. They enjoy having plants to chase around and the quieter species appreciate hiding places. Adding bogwood to your aquarium is often a good way of keeping barbs happy, as well as maintaining the right water conditions.

Black Ruby Barb

Red Glass Barb

Tattooed Tinfoil Barb