The Tiger Barb
The Tiger Barb is a perennial aquarium favorite with a much maligned reputation. It’s not uncommon for a novice fishkeeper to make the mistake of mixing this boisterous fish with slower and more peaceful species, which often results in some very stressed and unhappy tankmates. Though it certainly can be an absolute terror in the wrong setting, when its particular care requirements are met, this small, schooling fish can add a welcome splash of color and movement to the right tank.
Tiger Barbs have been a mainstay for decades now, but it might come as a surprise to hear that we don’t really know what species we’re dealing with here. A handful of different taxa are found around Southeast Asia, which differ slightly in their color patterning and morphology, but none of these quite match specimens which are bred for the aquarium trade. In all likelihood, these domesticated strains (which now come in a wide array of variations—albino, green, blushing) stem from a mix of two or more distinct species. Recently, taxonomists have made considerable changes to how we classify the Asian barbs, so many different names might be encountered in aquarium references. The currently accepted name is Puntigrus, but Puntius, Systomus, Capoeta and Barbus are all older names that regularly appear.
Having been captive-bred for so long, aquarium Tiger Barbs show little preference for water quality parameters or temperature, though wild populations are said to originate in fairly acidic, clearwater streams. Like most barbs, this fish is presumed to be omnivorous, ingesting a mix of invertebrates and plant matter. Keep to a mix of dry and frozen foods, but be aware that aquarium specimens are gluttonous to a fault, and it’s not uncommon to find almost morbidly obese specimens when excessive food is offered.
The biggest concern when housing this fish is in choosing appropriate tankmates. Given their active nature and tendency to nip at slower-moving species, its best to stick with similarly active cichlids, large barbs, danios, rainbowfishes and some of the more aggressive tetras. Catfish, loaches and gobies are also a sound choice. Fish to avoid are guppies and swordtails, angelfish and discus, gouramis, threadfin rainbowfishes, neon tetras and other similarly vulnerable groups. Having said that, even these can be intermixed if the tank is large enough and heavily decorated and if the Tiger Barbs are kept in a large enough group (10+).