Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona
- Common Names: Tiger Barb, Zebra Barb
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the rivers and streams of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Physical Description
- Coloration: Tiger Barbs are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring a golden-yellow or orange body adorned with black vertical stripes, resembling a tiger's pattern. The intensity of the coloration can vary based on individual health and stress levels.
- Size: They typically grow to about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length.
- Body Shape: They have a slender, torpedo-shaped body that is laterally compressed, facilitating agile swimming.
- Fins: Their fins are generally transparent, with some individuals exhibiting a slight orange or red tint.
Behavior
- Temperament: Tiger Barbs are known for their playful and energetic nature. They can be somewhat nippy, especially towards long-finned fish or during breeding.
- Social Structure: These fish are best kept in schools of at least 5 to 8 individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress. They are social and display interesting interactions within their group.
- Activity Level: Tiger Barbs are very active swimmers and will often be seen darting around the tank, which adds liveliness to any aquarium.
Habitat
- Natural Habitat: In the wild, Tiger Barbs inhabit freshwater environments, including rivers and streams with dense vegetation and open swimming areas.
- Aquarium Setup: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots using plants, driftwood, or rocks. A sandy or fine gravel substrate works well, and ensure there is ample open space for swimming.
Diet
- Feeding: Tiger Barbs are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake food, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and occasional live foods (such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia).
- Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes.
Breeding
- Breeding Type: Tiger Barbs are egg scatterers. They do not exhibit parental care, and the eggs are typically scattered among plants in the breeding tank.
- Nesting: To breed successfully, provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants where females can scatter their eggs.
- Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch (usually within 24 to 36 hours), the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they grow large enough for larger foods.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a school of Tiger Barbs.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
- pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
- Filtration: Good filtration is important to maintain water quality, as they are sensitive to poor conditions. Regular water changes are also necessary.
Compatibility
- Tank Mates: Tiger Barbs can coexist with various community fish, including tetras, rasboras, danios, and other small to medium-sized fish. Avoid keeping them with slow-moving or long-finned species, as they may nip at their fins.
- Behavior with Others: While generally social, Tiger Barbs can exhibit territorial behavior during breeding or if kept in overcrowded conditions. Providing ample space and hiding spots can help mitigate aggression.
Lifespan
- Lifespan: With proper care, Tiger Barbs can live for about 5 to 7 years in captivity.
Interesting Facts
- The active nature and schooling behavior of Tiger Barbs make them entertaining to watch, and their vibrant colors can brighten up any aquarium.
- Tiger Barbs can display interesting social behaviors, including chasing each other, which mimics their natural behavior in the wild.
Size | Medium, Jumbo |
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