Description

Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra)

• Size: 2.5 – 3 inches (6 – 7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years

• Tank Zone: Mid dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 300 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 23 – 27°C (74 – 80°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Iconic orange-golden body with 4 bold black vertical stripes.

• Fins often tipped with red/orange.

• Active, playful, and hardy.

• Can be semi-aggressive – known fin nippers.

• Energetic swimmers, need space to move.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous.

• Diet: High-quality flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini).

• Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (larger is better for schools).

• Filtration: Efficient filter with good flow.

• Decor: Plants (real or fake), driftwood, open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 6–8 (shoaling fish; fewer leads to aggression).

• Tank Mates: Other barbs, larger tetras, loaches, danios, rainbowfish.

• Avoid: Angelfish, Betta, Guppies, long-finned or slow fish (they nip fins).

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups to spread aggression.

• Provide a spacious tank with swimming room.

• Mix with active, similar-sized fish.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in small numbers (they become aggressive).

• Don’t house with long-finned or delicate fish.

• Don’t overstock the tank.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Popular, hardy, and colorful freshwater fish.

• Best in active community setups with fast swimmers.

• Fun to watch in groups – avoid slow or finny tank mates