Description

Tiger Barb (Albino)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona (Albino Morph)

• Common Names: Albino Tiger Barb, Golden Tiger Barb, Albino Sumatra Barb

• Family: Cyprinidae (Carp and Minnow Family)

• Order: Cypriniformes

• Origin: Captive-bred variant derived from the standard Tiger Barb, originally found in Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula

• Size: Up to 6–7 cm (2.5 inches)

• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years

• Tank Zone: Middle

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

🐠 Characteristics

• Body Shape: Deep-bodied and slightly compressed, identical to the classic Tiger Barb.

• Coloration: Pale golden to cream-colored body with faint orange-pink vertical bars and bright red eyes — a result of albinism.

• Fins: Reddish-orange fins with translucent edges.

• Behavior: Active, social, and playful schooling fish.

• Personality: Semi-aggressive; fin-nipping may occur if not kept in groups.

• Special Feature: The albino coloration gives a glowing appearance under aquarium lighting, making them visually stunning in planted or dark-background tanks.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Preferred Food: Flake food, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables.

• Feeding Frequency: 2 times daily in small portions.

• Tip: Use color-enhancing foods (like spirulina flakes) to deepen their orange hues.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons) for a small group.

• Filtration: Moderate to strong, with good water circulation.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.

• Decor: Include driftwood, live or artificial plants, and open swimming space.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their golden tones.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly for best health and color.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Keep at least 6 or more — they are shoaling fish and show better behavior in groups.

• Tank Mates: Best with active, similarly sized fish like Zebra Danios, Rosy Barbs, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, and Corydoras.

• Avoid: Slow or long-finned species like Bettas or Angelfish.

• Compatibility: Peaceful in groups but can nip fins if kept alone or in pairs.

✅ Do’s
• Keep in groups to reduce aggression.
• Provide hiding areas and plants.
• Offer varied food to maintain bright colors.

❌ Don’ts
• Don’t keep with delicate or long-finned tank mates.
• Avoid overstocking or overcrowding.

⭐ Quick Tips
The Albino Tiger Barb is a striking golden-white variant of the classic Tiger Barb, loved for its vibrant energy and shimmering body. Ideal for community aquariums, it adds a warm, glowing contrast — especially when kept in schools that move in synchronized patterns.