Puntigrus tetrazona
Iconic black-on-orange community fish, but only if you respect the bite. In groups under six they bully each other and any long-finned tank mate; in groups of 8–10+ they school internally and leave others alone. Never house with bettas, angels, or guppies, fins disappear within days.
Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) reaches 5–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 100 L. Native to Sumatra, Borneo (Southeast Asia), it lives in the mid water column with a semi-aggressive (notorious fin-nipper) temperament. Aim for 22–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–19 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–7 years with good care. Keep tiger barb in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworms. Hearty appetite. Plant-safe: Mostly (may nip soft stems). Shrimp-safe: No (will hunt).
Care at a glance
Iconic black-on-orange community fish, but only if you respect the bite. In groups under six they bully each other and any long-finned tank mate; in groups of 8–10+ they school internally and leave others alone. Never house with bettas, angels, or guppies, fins disappear within days.
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Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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The parameters that decide whether tiger barb fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 8+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Flake, pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworms. Hearty appetite.
5–7 yrs
Medium
Clear forest streams of Sumatra and Borneo
Sumatra, Borneo (Southeast Asia)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) needs a minimum tank of 100 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–19 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (will hunt). Plant safety: Mostly (may nip soft stems).
Tiger Barb are omnivore. Flake, pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworms. Hearty appetite.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–7 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
