Green Tiger Barb

Appearance & Size

Active schooling fish approx. 2 cm at purchase grows to 6–7 cm adults. Lively, mid-water swimmers, males often more colorful than females.

Behavior & Social

Semi-aggressive if not in groups, best kept in 7–12+ to spread aggression. Fast, active, can nibble long-finned or slow fish. Ideal for community tanks with other speedy or larger species.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous: flakes, small pellets, freeze-dried and frozen foods, brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, blanched vegetables. Offer roughage for digestion. Feed small scattered portions to ensure all fish eat.

Aquarium Setup

Minimum 29-gallon tank with plants and decorations. Provide obstacles to break line-of-sight so weaker fish can hide. Planted tanks preferred; allow swimming space.

Water Parameters

pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 20–26 °C (72–82 °F), moderate hardness, stable environment to prevent stress.

Tankmates – Compatible

Zebra danios, silver tip tetras, clown loaches, Botia loaches, certain South American cichlids, fast peaceful fish. Avoid tiny, slow, or long-finned species.

Tankmates – Avoid

Betta fish, angelfish, very small fish, slow timid fish that can be outcompeted for food.

Schooling & Mixing Colors

Keep in groups of 7+, more than 12 spreads aggression. Multiple color variants can be combined for a kaleidoscope effect.

Breeding Notes

Egg scatterers, no parental care. Females release eggs among plants, males fertilize; eggs hatch in a few days.

Lifespan

Typically 3–5 years with proper care.