Description
Red Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona
Common Names: Red Tiger Barb, Tiger Barb, Striped Barb
Family: Cyprinidae (Barbs)
Order: Cypriniformes
Origin: Southeast Asia — rivers, streams, and floodplains of Sumatra, Borneo, and Malaysia
Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Tank Zone: Mid-level dweller; active and semi-aggressive
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 150 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Small, laterally compressed fish with bright red-orange body and 4 distinct black vertical stripes; males are more colorful than females.
Behavior: Active, semi-aggressive, and schooling species; best kept in groups of 6 or more to minimize aggression.
Swimming Style: Constant mid-level swimmer; lively and interactive.
Unique Feature: Displays bright colors during excitement or courtship; excellent community fish with similar-sized species.
Nature: Energetic, playful, and hardy; suitable for community tanks if kept in schools.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: High-quality flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), and occasional vegetable matter
Feeding: Twice daily in small portions
Tip: Feed in groups to ensure all fish get food; varied diet enhances coloration
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 L) for a school of 6 or more
Filtration: Moderate to strong filtration; maintain good water flow
Decor: Open swimming space with scattered plants and hiding spots; smooth substrate
Lighting: Moderate to enhance colors
Water Change: 20–30% weekly for stable water quality
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 6 or more (shoaling species)
Tank Mates: Peaceful barbs, danios, tetras, rasboras of similar size
Avoid: Very small, delicate fish or overly aggressive species
✅ Do’s
Keep in schools to reduce stress and aggression
Provide open swimming areas and some hiding spots
Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water
Offer a varied diet to enhance color and health
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep alone — will be stressed and display aggression
Don’t house with tiny or slow-moving fish
Don’t neglect water changes or filtration
⭐ Quick Tips
The Red Tiger Barb is a lively, colorful, and hardy freshwater fish, ideal for community aquariums with active mid-level swimmers.
Best kept in schools of 6 or more, it exhibits energetic schooling behavior and adds a striking visual contrast to the tank.
Perfect for aquarists seeking a playful, semi-aggressive, and eye-catching barb.
