Tiger Barb
Specie Description

The Tiger Barb, scientifically known as Puntigrus tetrazona, was first described by Bleeker in 1855. The common name "Tiger Barb" references the fish's distinctive tiger-like striping pattern of bold black vertical bands on an orange-gold body. This species is also known as the Sumatra Barb, referencing the Indonesian island of Sumatra where it's commonly found, though its range extends more broadly across Southeast Asia.

Taxonomically, Tiger Barbs underwent significant revision in recent years. Originally classified as Barbus tetrazona, then Puntius tetrazona, the species was reclassified into the genus Puntigrus in 2012 based on genetic analysis. The genus Puntigrus contains several related Southeast Asian barbs distinguished by morphological and genetic characteristics. This reclassification better reflects evolutionary relationships, though many references and aquarists still use the older Puntius designation.

The species name "tetrazona" derives from Greek, meaning "four bands," referring to the four distinctive black vertical stripes on the wild-type fish. The family Cyprinidae, to which Tiger Barbs belong, represents one of the largest fish families and includes carps, minnows, danios, rasboras, and numerous barb species distributed worldwide.

In the aquarium trade, Tiger Barbs are sold under various names including Tiger Barb, Sumatra Barb, or by their color varieties. Selective breeding has produced several attractive color morphs beyond the standard wild-type. Green Tiger Barbs display darker, more greenish coloration with black markings. Albino Tiger Barbs are cream-colored with red eyes and faint pinkish bands instead of black. Platinum or Snow Tiger Barbs are silvery-white with minimal pigmentation. Gold Tiger Barbs show enhanced golden-yellow coloration. Long-finned varieties feature extended, flowing fins though these are somewhat contradictory given the species' fin-nipping reputation.

When purchasing Tiger Barbs, look for active, robust fish with vibrant coloration, intact fins, clear eyes, and energetic swimming behavior. Avoid specimens showing clamped fins, lethargy, or abnormal swimming patterns. Purchase them in groups of at least 8-10 individuals to establish proper schooling dynamics from the start. Buying adequate numbers initially prevents the need to introduce new individuals later, which can trigger aggression.

Tiger Barbs are compact, laterally compressed fish with deep, rounded bodies characteristic of barb species. Adults typically reach 2.5-3 inches in length, with females being slightly larger and noticeably fuller-bodied than males, particularly when carrying eggs. Their stocky build combined with powerful swimming musculature allows the explosive bursts of speed and agile maneuvering that characterize their active behavior.

The most distinctive feature is the striking color pattern resembling tiger stripes. The base body color is bright orange-gold to yellow-gold, creating a vibrant, eye-catching appearance. Four bold vertical black bands cross the body, creating the characteristic tiger-striped appearance. The first band runs through the eye, the second crosses behind the gill cover, the third passes through the middle of the body beneath the dorsal fin, and the fourth band marks the caudal peduncle just before the tail. These black bands are usually solid and distinct, though intensity varies with mood, health, and breeding condition.

The dorsal fin is one of the Tiger Barb's most distinctive features, appearing predominantly black with a bright red or orange base creating striking contrast. This colorful dorsal fin is held erect during displays and becomes particularly vibrant in dominant males or during breeding. The anal and pelvic fins show red-orange coloring, while the pectoral fins are generally clear. The caudal fin is typically colorless to slightly reddish with faint black markings at the base. In breeding males, all red coloration intensifies significantly.

Several color varieties exist due to selective breeding. Green Tiger Barbs display darker overall coloration with a greenish sheen to the body and black markings that may appear slightly more extensive. Albino Tiger Barbs are pale cream to white with red eyes and very faint pinkish or yellowish banding replacing the black stripes. Platinum or Snow Tiger Barbs are silvery-white with reduced pigmentation and subtle markings. Gold Tiger Barbs show enhanced golden-yellow body color with standard black banding.

Sexual dimorphism becomes apparent in mature specimens. Males are more slender with deeper, more intense coloration, particularly in the red areas of the fins and snout. During breeding condition, males develop bright red noses and their overall coloration becomes extraordinarily vibrant. Females are noticeably larger, deeper-bodied, and rounder with less intense coloration. When gravid with eggs, females appear obviously swollen through the belly region. Males also tend to be more active and aggressive than females.

The scales are medium-sized and clearly defined, creating a neat pattern across the body. The lateral line is visible as a faint line of sensory scales running along the body's length. The mouth is relatively small and terminal, positioned at the snout tip, well-suited for omnivorous feeding throughout the water column and from surfaces. Small barbels, characteristic of many cyprinids, are present at the corners of the mouth though they're small and may be difficult to see. The eyes are large and positioned to provide excellent vision essential for their active, fast-swimming lifestyle.

Tiger Barbs are native to Southeast Asia, with their natural range including the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia, as well as mainland areas of Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. They inhabit various river systems and tributaries throughout these regions, showing adaptability to different aquatic environments. Their relatively wide distribution across Southeast Asia contributes to their hardiness and adaptability in aquarium settings.

Their natural habitat consists of clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with rocky or gravel substrates, as well as quieter backwaters, forest pools, and heavily vegetated areas. Unlike some specialists preferring specific habitat types, Tiger Barbs adapt to various environments from swift currents to calmer waters. They inhabit both highland streams with cooler, faster-flowing water and lowland rivers with warmer, slower currents. This habitat diversity explains their adaptability to different aquarium conditions.

Water parameters in their natural environment vary depending on specific location and season. Temperatures typically range from 74-79°F in tropical regions, though highland populations may experience slightly cooler temperatures. The water ranges from slightly acidic to neutral or slightly alkaline depending on substrate geology and vegetation, with pH generally between 6.0-7.5. Water hardness varies from soft to moderately hard. Seasonal monsoons create variations in flow, temperature, and water chemistry that Tiger Barbs readily adapt to.

The substrate in their native habitat consists of sand, gravel, rocks, and varying amounts of organic matter depending on flow rate and vegetation. Aquatic plants, submerged roots, overhanging terrestrial vegetation, and rocks provide shelter and territory markers. In faster-flowing areas, vegetation may be limited, while calmer backwaters support dense plant growth. The varied habitat structure provides hiding spots, foraging areas, and territory establishment opportunities.

In the wild, Tiger Barbs form schools of varying sizes, from small groups to larger aggregations depending on habitat and resource availability. This schooling provides protection from predators including larger fish, birds, and aquatic predators. The schools are dynamic, with individuals constantly interacting, establishing hierarchies, and defending temporary territories within the group. They feed on insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, zooplankton, worms, algae, plant matter, and detritus, displaying opportunistic omnivorous feeding.

Seasonal monsoons significantly impact their environment. During rainy seasons, water levels rise dramatically, flow increases, and fish disperse into newly flooded areas accessing abundant food resources. As dry seasons arrive, water levels drop and fish concentrate in permanent channels and pools. Breeding often synchronizes with seasonal changes, particularly the onset of monsoons when water conditions and food availability improve.

Wild populations face pressures including habitat loss from deforestation, agricultural development, pollution, dam construction, and collection for the aquarium trade. However, Tiger Barbs remain relatively common throughout much of their range, and the vast majority of aquarium specimens are now captive-bred rather than wild-caught. Commercial breeding facilities in Asia and individual breeders worldwide produce millions of Tiger Barbs annually, making wild collection largely unnecessary. Their ease of breeding in captivity ensures sustainable availability while reducing pressure on wild populations. Understanding their natural habitat variability helps explain their adaptability, hardiness, and behavior in aquariums.

Tiger Barbs have a semi-aggressive temperament that requires understanding and proper management for successful aquarium keeping. They're not peaceful community fish in the traditional sense, displaying behaviors that can be problematic with inappropriate tank mates. However, their aggression is predictable and manageable through proper schooling, tank setup, and companion selection. Understanding their temperament is crucial for success.

The most infamous aspect of Tiger Barb behavior is their fin-nipping tendency. They persistently nip at the fins of slow-moving or long-finned fish, causing stress, damage, and potentially fatal injuries over time. This behavior appears to be investigative or playful rather than malicious, but the result is the same: damaged fins and stressed tank mates. Angelfish, Bettas, fancy Guppies, fancy Goldfish, and any fish with long, flowing fins are completely incompatible with Tiger Barbs.

School size dramatically affects Tiger Barb behavior and is the single most important factor in managing their aggression. When kept in small groups of 3-5 individuals, they often become extremely aggressive, persistently harassing all tank mates and creating chaos in community tanks. The aggression focuses outward toward other species, making them intolerable tank mates. However, when kept in proper schools of 8-12 or more individuals, their behavior transforms dramatically. In large schools, aggression and energy focus within the group through constant chasing, displaying, and hierarchy establishment, leaving other species largely unbothered.

Within their own school, Tiger Barbs constantly interact through chasing, displaying, and mock fighting. They establish hierarchies with dominant individuals claiming preferred territories and showing more intense coloration. This intraspecific interaction is constant and vigorous but rarely results in serious injury. The perpetual activity creates dynamic, entertaining displays as the school races through the aquarium, chases among decorations, and interacts energetically.

Tiger Barbs are among the most active aquarium fish, swimming constantly during daylight hours. They utilize the entire tank, racing from end to end, darting between decorations, and investigating every area. Their activity level is relentless, creating perpetual motion that some aquarists find exciting while others consider overwhelming. They appreciate open swimming space but also enjoy weaving through plants and decorations. Their constant motion can stress shy, passive species that prefer calm environments.

During feeding times, Tiger Barbs become extremely competitive and aggressive. They rush to food immediately, competing vigorously with each other and any other fish. Their enthusiasm can intimidate slower feeders, and they may monopolize food if not carefully managed. Multiple feeding locations and varied feeding strategies help ensure all tank inhabitants receive adequate nutrition.

Tiger Barbs are diurnal, showing peak activity during daylight hours with highest energy in morning and afternoon. As evening approaches and lighting dims, activity gradually decreases and they settle into resting positions among plants or decorations. During nighttime, they rest relatively quietly though maintaining loose group cohesion. When morning arrives and lights turn on, they immediately resume their characteristic high-energy swimming and interaction.

Stress indicators include loss of color intensity, clamped fins, hiding behavior (unusual for this bold species), excessive aggression even within proper schools, rapid breathing, or loss of appetite. Proper school size of 8-12+ individuals, adequate tank space with swimming room, appropriate active tank mates that can handle their energy, and regular maintenance keep Tiger Barbs displaying natural, managed behavior. When kept properly, they're entertaining, dynamic fish with predictable, manageable aggression that focuses within the school rather than toward incompatible tank mates.

Tiger Barbs require adequately sized aquariums to accommodate their active schooling behavior and energetic swimming. A 30-gallon tank is the absolute minimum for a school of 8-10 Tiger Barbs, though 40-55 gallon tanks are preferable for larger schools of 12-15 fish or for community setups with compatible tank mates. Long, rectangular tanks provide better swimming space than tall tanks, as Tiger Barbs utilize horizontal swimming room more than vertical height. The focus should be on providing adequate swimming distance for their constant high-speed activity.

Filtration must be robust for Tiger Barbs, as their active metabolism, enthusiastic eating, and substantial bioload produce significant waste. Choose filtration rated for at least 1.5 times your tank volume, providing 6-10 times tank volume turnover per hour. Canister filters work excellently, offering strong biological filtration with good flow. Hang-on-back filters are suitable if appropriately sized. Tiger Barbs tolerate and even appreciate moderate water movement, so position filter outputs to create circulation without creating overwhelming currents. Good water movement supports their active nature and maintains oxygen levels for these energetic swimmers.

Substrate selection is flexible, as Tiger Barbs aren't substrate-focused fish. Fine to medium gravel, sand, or mixed substrates all work well. Dark-colored substrates enhance the fish's vibrant orange and black coloring through contrast, making their striped pattern more striking. Natural-looking substrates like brown or tan gravel create realistic appearances. Substrate depth of 1-2 inches is adequate unless growing rooted plants requiring deeper substrate.

Decorations should balance providing cover with maintaining open swimming space. Tiger Barbs appreciate some decorations for territory establishment and visual interest but need substantial open areas for their racing and chasing behavior. Use smooth rocks, driftwood, caves, and artificial decorations around the perimeter, leaving the center and foreground open for swimming. Avoid sharp decorations that could injure fast-swimming fish. Decorations create visual barriers that help reduce aggression by allowing fish to break line of sight.

Plants can be incorporated successfully with Tiger Barbs, though plant selection and placement require consideration. Choose hardy species that tolerate their active swimming and occasional nibbling. Excellent choices include Java fern attached to rocks or driftwood, Anubias varieties, Amazon swords, Vallisneria, and hardy stem plants like Ludwigia or Hornwort. Plant around the perimeter and background, leaving central swimming areas open. Tiger Barbs may nibble on soft plants but rarely cause significant damage. Avoid delicate species that their activity might damage or uproot.

Providing some current benefits Tiger Barbs, as they originate from flowing streams. Position filter outputs to create moderate water movement in portions of the tank. Some aquarists add powerheads or wavemakers to create current zones, though this isn't essential. Observe the fish; if they swim actively into current and appear to enjoy it, you've created appropriate flow.

Lighting can be standard aquarium illumination on a timer for 8-10 hours daily. Tiger Barbs aren't particularly light-sensitive and adapt to various lighting levels. Moderate lighting is sufficient, supports plant growth if present, and prevents excessive algae. These bold fish remain active and visible under normal lighting conditions.

A reliable, adjustable heater maintains stable temperature in the 74-79°F range, with 76-77°F being optimal for general keeping. Tiger Barbs tolerate slight temperature variations but appreciate stability. Use an appropriately sized heater for your tank volume and monitor with an accurate thermometer. Avoid temperature fluctuations greater than 2-3 degrees within 24 hours.

Additional beneficial equipment includes aeration through air stones or air pumps, providing adequate oxygen for these active fish with high metabolic demands. A water testing kit for monitoring parameters helps maintain appropriate conditions. Consider multiple feeding areas or feeding rings to distribute food and reduce aggressive competition during meals. The setup for Tiger Barbs emphasizes swimming space, good filtration, moderate current, and minimal clutter allowing their active schooling to display fully.

Tiger Barbs thrive in tropical temperatures between 74-79°F, with 76-77°F being ideal for general keeping. They tolerate a fairly wide temperature range from low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, showing adaptability to minor variations. However, maintain stability within their preferred range, avoiding fluctuations greater than 2-3 degrees within 24 hours. Consistent temperatures in the mid-70s support optimal health, coloration, and activity. Higher temperatures increase metabolism and activity but may shorten lifespan, while cooler temperatures slow activity somewhat.

The pH range for Tiger Barbs is exceptionally broad at 6.0-8.0, with 6.5-7.5 being optimal. They adapt successfully to acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions, showing remarkable flexibility regarding pH. This broad tolerance makes them compatible with diverse community setups and various tap water chemistries. Whether your water is naturally acidic or alkaline, Tiger Barbs adapt successfully. Stability is more important than hitting a specific pH value; consistent parameters produce healthier fish than perfect pH that fluctuates.

Water hardness is equally flexible, with Tiger Barbs tolerating soft to hard water without difficulty. General hardness (GH) can range from 5-20 dGH, with carbonate hardness (KH) from 3-12 dKH. They show no strong preference within this range and adapt to local water chemistry without modification in most areas. This hardness tolerance makes them versatile for both soft-water and hard-water community tanks, compatible with species requiring different parameters.

Maintaining zero ammonia and zero nitrites is important for all fish, though Tiger Barbs tolerate brief, low-level exposure better than sensitive species. In properly cycled, maintained aquariums, ammonia and nitrites should always read zero. Nitrates should be kept below 40 ppm through regular water changes, with levels below 20 ppm being ideal. Tiger Barbs tolerate higher nitrates than many fish but still benefit from clean water. Their exceptional hardiness provides buffer against occasional parameter issues that would stress delicate species.

Water change schedules should include 25-30 percent weekly changes for general maintenance. When performing water changes, vacuum substrate thoroughly to remove accumulated waste, uneaten food, and debris that Tiger Barbs produce through enthusiastic feeding. Match new water temperature to tank temperature within a few degrees, though Tiger Barbs tolerate temperature differences during water changes better than many fish. Treat tap water with quality dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramines.

Proper cycling is essential before adding Tiger Barbs despite their hardiness. The nitrogen cycle should be fully established with beneficial bacteria processing ammonia and nitrites efficiently. Complete fishless cycling typically requires 4-6 weeks using an ammonia source while testing parameters regularly. While Tiger Barbs survive less-than-perfect conditions better than many fish, they deserve properly cycled tanks. Their hardiness sometimes leads to their use in fish-in cycling, though this practice causes unnecessary stress and is discouraged when better alternatives exist.

Acclimation procedures should be thorough though needn't be as extended as for extremely sensitive species. Float sealed bags for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature, then gradually add tank water to the bag over 20-30 minutes before releasing fish. While hardy, they still benefit from gradual acclimation preventing shock. For significant parameter differences, extend acclimation to 45 minutes. When adding new Tiger Barbs to established schools, proper acclimation followed by observation for aggression ensures smooth integration.

Monitoring parameters regularly helps maintain stability. Test ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates weekly in new setups, then bi-weekly to monthly once established and stable. Check pH occasionally to ensure consistency. The Tiger Barb's exceptional parameter tolerance means exact values aren't critical; consistent conditions within their broad range produce healthy, vibrant fish. This flexibility makes them ideal for beginners learning water chemistry and maintenance, as minor mistakes rarely cause serious problems with these resilient fish.

Tiger Barbs are exceptionally hardy fish with robust immune systems and excellent disease resistance, ranking among the healthiest and most trouble-free aquarium species available.

Their longevity combined with hardiness makes them excellent long-term aquarium residents providing years of dynamic activity and entertainment when their semi-aggressive temperament is properly understood and managed.

In their natural Southeast Asian habitat, Tiger Barbs are opportunistic omnivores feeding on diverse foods including insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, zooplankton, worms, algae, plant matter, detritus, and any other consumable items encountered. They feed throughout the water column but particularly at the surface where they intercept fallen insects and at the bottom where they forage among substrate. Their adaptable feeding behavior contributes to their success in varied habitats and aquarium conditions.

In captivity, Tiger Barbs readily accept all types of prepared foods with voracious enthusiasm. High-quality tropical flake food or small to medium pellets formulated for omnivorous fish form an excellent dietary foundation. Choose foods with balanced protein and plant content appropriate for their omnivorous nature. Tiger Barbs are completely unselective, accepting virtually any food offered immediately and enthusiastically. Vary between different brands and formulations to ensure comprehensive nutrition and prevent dietary deficiencies.

Supplementing prepared foods with live and frozen foods enhances health, intensifies coloration, and conditions fish for breeding. Live foods are consumed with extraordinary enthusiasm and include brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, tubifex worms, and blackworms. Live foods stimulate vigorous hunting behavior, and watching Tiger Barbs compete for live prey is highly entertaining. Their active competition during live food feeding can be intense.

Frozen foods provide excellent nutrition with greater convenience and year-round availability. Frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, mysis shrimp, and krill are all eagerly accepted. Thaw frozen foods in tank water before feeding to prevent digestive issues. Tiger Barbs consume frozen foods with the same enthusiasm as live foods, rushing throughout the tank to capture every morsel.

Vegetable matter is important for Tiger Barb health and should be included regularly. Spirulina-based flakes or pellets provide plant nutrition, and they readily accept blanched vegetables including zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and lettuce. Attach vegetable pieces to feeding clips or weight them down, removing uneaten portions after 24 hours. They'll also graze on soft algae growing on tank surfaces, contributing to algae control. Vegetable matter aids digestion and provides essential nutrients not found in protein-only diets.

Feeding frequency should be 1-2 times daily for adult Tiger Barbs, offering portions the school can consume within 3-5 minutes per feeding. Their enthusiastic appetites and competitive feeding make overfeeding a significant risk, leading to obesity and water quality degradation. It's better to slightly underfeed than provide excess food. Watch during feeding to ensure all fish receive adequate nutrition, though competitive Tiger Barbs rarely have trouble getting food.

During feeding times, Tiger Barbs display extreme enthusiasm and aggression. They rush to food immediately, competing vigorously with each other and any other tank inhabitants. Their aggressive feeding can intimidate slower-feeding tank mates, requiring management strategies. Offer sinking foods for bottom-dwellers before feeding floating foods that Tigers intercept. Use multiple feeding locations to spread competition. Their vigor during meals is impressive but can be problematic in mixed-species setups.

Foods to avoid include exclusively goldfish flakes designed for cool-water fish, though Tigers tolerate these better than most tropicals. Low-quality foods with excessive fillers provide poor nutrition. Very small foods meant for tiny fish are consumed but aren't ideal for their moderate size. The primary concern is overfeeding rather than food selection, as these omnivorous fish accept virtually anything offered.

Fry, when breeding Tiger Barbs, initially require smaller foods than adults. Newly hatched fry can accept infusoria or liquid fry foods for the first few days, progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp, micro worms, and finely crushed flakes within a week. Fry grow rapidly when fed 3-4 times daily with appropriately sized foods. By two weeks, they accept foods approaching adult sizes, reflecting their fast growth rate.

Signs of proper nutrition include robust body condition, intense coloration with vibrant orange and black stripes, vigorous activity and swimming, aggressive feeding response, and overall vitality. Tiger Barbs should appear well-fed without obesity, maintaining their characteristic laterally compressed profiles. Sunken bellies indicate underfeeding or illness. Overweight fish with distended bodies require reduced portions. Providing varied, high-quality foods with balance between protein and plant matter maintains these active fish in peak condition for their dynamic displays and vibrant coloration.

Tiger Barbs require careful tank mate selection due to their fin-nipping behavior and boisterous nature. The safest approach is species-only tanks dedicated to Tiger Barbs, eliminating compatibility concerns while showcasing their schooling behavior and vibrant colors. However, with proper selection, community setups succeed when including equally active, robust species without long fins.

Compatible tank mates include other active barbs such as Rosy Barbs, Cherry Barbs (though these are more peaceful), Tinfoil Barbs in large tanks, or Gold Barbs. Fast-swimming danios including Zebra Danios, Giant Danios, or Pearl Danios can keep pace with Tigers and handle their energy. Larger, robust tetras like Buenos Aires Tetras, Congo Tetras, or Colombian Tetras work in spacious tanks. Rainbow fish including Boesemani Rainbows, Turquoise Rainbows, or other Melanotaenia species have appropriate activity levels and short fins.

Bottom-dwelling catfish occupying different zones include larger Corydoras species, Synodontis catfish, larger plecos like Bristlenose, and active loaches such as Clown Loaches or Yoyo Loaches. These bottom-dwellers generally avoid Tiger Barb aggression. Certain peaceful cichlids like larger Geophagus species or Firemouth Cichlids can work in large tanks with adequate territories.

Incompatible species include all long-finned, slow-moving fish. Absolutely avoid Angelfish, Bettas, fancy Guppies, fancy Goldfish, Discus, and other species with elaborate finnage. Small peaceful fish including Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, small rasboras, and nano species will be harassed and stressed. Shy, passive species unable to compete during feeding or handle the constant activity are poor companions. Other semi-aggressive fish like some cichlids may conflict with Tigers.

Breeding Tiger Barbs is relatively straightforward and rewarding for aquarists with basic experience. They're egg-scatterers that spawn readily when properly conditioned, making them good breeding projects for developing aquarists.

Sexual dimorphism is visible in mature specimens. Males are more slender with more intense, vibrant coloration, particularly in the red areas. During breeding condition, males develop bright red noses and snouts, deepening red in fins, and overall enhanced coloration. Females are noticeably larger, deeper-bodied, and fuller, especially when carrying eggs. Gravid females show obvious belly swelling. Females display less intense coloration with more subdued orange and less red than males.

Conditioning for breeding involves several weeks of high-quality feeding with emphasis on live foods. Feed live brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and mosquito larvae 2-3 times daily. Females become visibly plump with eggs, and males develop intense breeding coloration with red noses. Select the healthiest, most vibrant specimens for breeding, typically fish at least 1.5 inches long and sexually mature.

Breeding setup requires a separate 10-20 gallon spawning tank with gentle sponge filtration. Fill with dechlorinated water matching main tank parameters or slightly warmer (78-80°F). The tank needs spawning media to catch eggs and prevent parents from eating them. Marble substrate (2-3 layers of marbles covering the bottom), spawning mops, or fine-leaved plants like Java moss work well. Eggs fall between marbles or into plants where parents can't reach them easily.

Introduce conditioned pairs or small groups (1-2 males per female) into the spawning tank in the evening. Spawning typically occurs the following morning as light increases. Males pursue females vigorously, driving them into spawning media. The female releases eggs while the male fertilizes them simultaneously. Spawning is vigorous, with multiple spawning runs scattering 200-500+ eggs throughout the media.

Remove adults immediately after spawning (within 12-24 hours) as they actively consume eggs given opportunity. Eggs are small, amber-colored, and adhesive, sticking to spawning media. Fertile eggs remain clear amber while infertile eggs turn opaque white within 24 hours. Remove fungused eggs if possible or add antifungal medication like methylene blue at appropriate dosage.

Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours at 78-80°F. Fry are tiny and initially attach to surfaces or rest on the bottom. They become free-swimming 3-5 days after hatching and begin actively swimming and hunting food. Feed newly free-swimming fry with infusoria or liquid fry foods for 2-3 days, then introduce newly hatched brine shrimp, micro worms, or finely crushed flakes. Fry grow rapidly when fed 3-4 times daily.

Maintain excellent water quality in fry tanks through frequent small water changes (10-15% daily or every other day) using aged, temperature-matched water. As fry grow, gradually increase food size and reduce feeding frequency. By 6-8 weeks, juveniles accept adult foods and display recognizable Tiger Barb coloration. By 8-10 weeks, they can join community tanks, though growing them larger before introduction prevents predation.

The ease of spawning, prolific egg production, and hardy fast-growing fry make Tiger Barb breeding accessible and rewarding. Success requires proper conditioning, appropriate spawning setup, and attentive fry care, but these steps are manageable for dedicated aquarists. Breeding provides opportunities to share fish with other hobbyists and maintain healthy genetic diversity.