Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona): Care, Compatibility, and Breeding Guide

Are you thinking of adding a touch of energy and color to your aquarium? The tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona), also popularly known as the Sumatra barb or Sumatran fish, is a fascinating and dynamic option for many aquarists. Native to Southeast Asia, these fish are known for their striking vertical black stripes on a golden-orange body and their active, gregarious behavior.

While they are relatively easy to care for once their needs are understood, the tiger barb fish requires specific conditions to thrive, especially regarding aquarium size and tank mates. In fact, the tiger barb is one of the highest-volume freshwater species in the ornamental fish trade (Lipscomb et al., 2022), which underscores its popularity.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information on tiger barb care, from how to set up the ideal aquarium and ensure a balanced diet, to understanding their social behavior, the compatibility of tiger barbs with other fish, and the steps for their reproduction. We will also cover the different varieties, such as the albino Sumatra barb and the green Sumatra barb fish, and how to manage potential diseases. Get ready to dive into the world of Puntigrus tetrazona!

Taxonomy of Tiger Barbs

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii
• Order: Cypriniformes
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Subfamily: Barbinae
• Genus: Puntigrus
• Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona
• Synonyms: Puntius tetrazona, Capoeta tetrazona, Barbus tetrazona, Systomus tetrazona.
• Common Name in Spanish: barbo tigre, barbo de Sumatra, sumatrano, barbo tetrazona, Barbo de bandas
• Common Name in English: Tiger barb, Sumatra barb, and partbelt barb

The last part of the scientific name, “tetrazona,” refers to its four vertical stripes covering its body. Other barbs have five or six stripes, but only Puntigrus tetrazona has four (Yang, 2020).

Characteristics of Sumatra Barb Fish

Puntigrus tetrazona can grow up to 7 to 10 centimeters in length and 3 to 4 centimeters in width, although they are smaller when kept in captivity. Tiger barbs can live up to seven years (Sharpe, 2022), but in aquariums, they have been reported to live for five years.

The most distinctive feature of the tiger barb is the four vertical black stripes that cross its yellow-orange body. The first stripe runs through the eye, the second across the pectoral fins, the third through the dorsal fin, and the last at the base of the caudal fin. Their fins usually have reddish edges, especially the dorsal and caudal fins, and the mouth points upwards.

Female tiger barbs are larger and have a wider, more rounded belly than males. Male tiger barbs are identified by their bright coloration and the red nose they develop during the spawning process.

What are the different types of tiger barb?

In recent years, selective breeding has yielded tiger barb fish in colors including green, black, red, and albino. In this regard, it is important to mention that Bekkozhayeva et al. (2021) developed a non-invasive automatic identification system for individual tiger barb fish (Puntigrus tetrazona) based on images, using visible characteristics on the fish’s body.

Among the best-known varieties of tiger barb fish are:

Green (Moss) Tiger Barb: Features a deep, brilliant emerald green body, retaining the black stripes, although sometimes less defined. It is also known as the green Sumatra barb fish.

Albino Tiger Barb: Lacks dark pigmentation, showing a pinkish-white or pale yellow body with very faint white or cream stripes. Its eyes are red. The albino Sumatra barb or albino Sumatra barb is a striking variant.

Gold (Platinum) Tiger Barb: Similar to the albino but with a more intense golden or platinum sheen.

GloFish® Tiger Barb: These are genetically modified tiger barbs to exhibit bright fluorescent colors (red, green, orange, etc.) under actinic or blue light. They require the same care as their non-modified counterparts. According to the results of the study by Lindstrom and Volkoff (2025), orange transgenic tiger barbs, raised in aquariums under normal conditions, behave very similarly to non-transgenic ones, which facilitates their management; however, the observed differences in endocrine regulation suggest a possible increased sensitivity of the transgenic strain to less-than-ideal conditions, underlining the importance of careful aquarium maintenance to ensure the well-being of these fish.

Habitat of the Tiger Barb

The tiger barb is native to Borneo and Malaysia; they can also be found on the island of Sumatra and in Thailand and Cambodia (Sharpe, 2022). In their natural habitat, the Sumatra barb inhabits rivers and tributaries with thick vegetation where they can find insects, algae, invertebrates, and detritus that make up part of their diet.

It is important to note that, like many popular aquarium species, the tiger barb has been introduced into non-native waters in various parts of the world (e.g., USA, Colombia, Australia, Dominican Republic). Although their establishment varies, they have the potential to become invasive species, competing with native fauna or introducing diseases. Never release aquarium fish into natural water bodies. If you need to dispose of fish, contact local stores, aquarium clubs, or look for humane euthanasia options.

Feeding Tiger Barb Fish

Proper nutrition is essential for the health, color, and vitality of your tiger barb fish. These fish are omnivorous and quite voracious, readily accepting a wide range of foods.

• Base Food: A high-quality commercial food in small flakes or granules designed for omnivorous tropical fish should be the foundation of their diet. Lipscomb et al. (2022) developed commercially available microparticle diets for P. tetrazona larvae, achieving growth and survival similar to feeding with Artemia sp. after 14 days.
• Animal Protein: Supplement their diet 2-3 times a week with protein-rich foods. They love live or frozen foods such as:
  • Artemia (adult or nauplii)
  • Daphnia (water flea)
  • Mosquito larvae
  • Tubifex (in moderation and from safe sources)
  • Grindal worms
• Vegetable Matter: Include plant-based foods for a balanced diet. You can offer:
  • Spirulina flakes or granules.
  • Blanched vegetables (briefly boiled) like peeled peas, spinach, or zucchini.
• Frequency: Feed your barbs 1-2 times a day, offering only the amount they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Remove any uneaten food to avoid water contamination.
• Variety: Rotating food types helps ensure they receive all necessary nutrients and prevents monotony.

Avoid overfeeding, as it can cause health problems and quickly foul the aquarium.

Furthermore, one of the problems during the rearing of the Sumatra barb is the decline in color quality; in this regard, Koncara et al. (2019) recommend the inclusion of 6% red spinach flour in the artificial feed, which increases the carotenoid content in the feed. Likewise, 2% marigold flower meal can be used (Setia et al., 2022).

How to Breed Tiger Barb Fish?

The reproduction or breeding of the tiger barb is possible in the home aquarium with proper preparation. They are egg-scatterers (oviparous) and show no parental care (in fact, they will eat eggs and fry if given the chance).

Sexual Differences (Sexing)

Distinguishing males and females can be subtle, especially in young specimens. Adults show clearer differences:

• Males: Tend to be slightly smaller, slimmer, and have more intense coloration, especially on the snout and fins, which turn bright red during courtship and spawning.
• Females: Are generally larger, rounder (especially when full of eggs), and their coloration is slightly less vibrant than males.

Preparation and Conditioning

• Select Breeders: Choose healthy, well-fed adult specimens (1 male per 1-2 females is a good ratio). Sumatra barb fish spawn multiple times during their lives and reach sexual maturity at 6-7 weeks of age, with a body length of 2 to 3 centimeters.
• Conditioning: Separate males and females (if possible) or simply feed them abundantly with high-quality live and frozen foods for 1-2 weeks before the breeding attempt. According to Burduhos (2023), live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp (Artemia), and Daphnia can help stimulate breeding behavior. This will stimulate egg production in females and prepare the males.

The Breeding Tank

• Size: A 40-75 liter (10-20 gallon) tank is sufficient.
• No Substrate: A bare bottom facilitates cleaning and egg visualization.
• Egg Protection: It is crucial to prevent parents from eating the eggs. Use a breeding mesh on the bottom, marbles, or dense clumps of fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or spawning mops where eggs can fall and remain out of reach of the adults.
• Water: Use water from the main aquarium or new water with similar parameters: slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5) and soft (GH < 10). Maintain the temperature at the upper end of their range (26-28 °C / 79-82 °F).
• Filtration: A gentle sponge filter is ideal to avoid sucking up eggs or fry.

The Spawning Process

• Introduce the conditioned breeders into the breeding tank in the afternoon or evening.
• Spawning usually occurs early in the morning, often with the first light.
• Courtship involves chasing, fin displays, and rapid movements (Burduhos, 2023). The male will chase the female, nudging her towards the chosen plants or substrate.
• Spawning: The breeding fish will release eggs (adhesive or semi-adhesive) and sperm simultaneously. A female Sumatra barb lays around 300 transparent eggs per spawn, which the male will fertilize immediately. The eggs average 1.18 millimeters in diameter, hatch after 48 hours, and retain their yolk sacs for 3 to 5 days.
• Remove the parents immediately after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.

Care of Eggs and Fry

• Hatching: Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours, depending on temperature.
• First Food: The fry will consume their yolk sac for the first 2-3 days. Once they are free-swimming, they will need microscopic food.
• Feeding Fry: Feed with infusoria, rotifers, or liquid fry food several times a day in small amounts. As they grow (after 1-2 weeks), you can transition to newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and microworms.
• Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality with small, frequent water changes (10-15% daily or every other day), using an airline siphon to avoid harming the fragile fry.

Breeding tiger barbs requires dedication, but watching the small fry grow is very rewarding.

Care: The Aquarium for Tiger Barbs

Tiger barbs prefer clear, well-oxygenated water; however, they are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, but soft, slightly acidic water is best.

Aquarium Size: Room to Swim!

The most common mistake is housing tiger barbs in small tanks. They are very active fish that need to swim in a group.

• Absolute Minimum: 110 liters (approx. 30 gallons) for a school of 6-8 individuals.
• Recommended: 150 liters (approx. 40 gallons) or more, especially if planning to add other tank mates. A larger tank dilutes aggression and provides more territory.

The ideal aquarium should have a large open area for the fish to swim, with a significant amount of plants around the periphery. Groups of tiger barbs of at least 5 individuals should be kept, but it is recommended no fewer than 8 and no more than 12 fish (Woods, 2019).

Tank Setup: Simulate Their Natural Habitat

• Substrate: Fine sand or dark, non-sharp gravel simulates their natural riverbed and enhances their colors.
• Filtration: They need clean, well-oxygenated water. An external canister filter or a powerful hang-on-back filter that moves 5 to 10 times the aquarium volume per hour is ideal.
• Heating: A reliable aquarium heater is essential to maintain a stable temperature in the range of 22-28 °C (72-82 °F).
• Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. If you have live plants, adjust the intensity and duration to their needs. In this regard, Wijianto et al. (2020) compared the color quality of Puntigrus tetrazona by exposing them to different light spectra, concluding that the best fish color quality is obtained with exposure to the red light spectrum.
• Decor: Provide abundant hiding places and visual barriers using plants (tall live or artificial plants like Cabomba, Vallisneria, Java Fern), driftwood, and rocks. This helps reduce stress and aggression, allowing fish to establish territories and escape more dominant tank mates. Leave an open area in the center for free swimming.

Water Parameters: Keys to Health

Maintaining water quality is vital. Tiger barbs are relatively hardy, but they thrive in stable conditions:

Table 1. Technical sheet for tiger barb care.

Tiger Barb: Compatibility

One of the biggest challenges with the Sumatra barb is its reputation as a “fin nipper”. They are semi-aggressive fish, especially if kept in small groups (<6) or in unsuitable tanks. They tend to chase and nip the long, flowing fins of slow-moving or peaceful fish.

Why Are Tiger Barbs Aggressive?

• Schooling Instinct: They establish a social hierarchy within the group. In small groups, this aggression can be directed towards other fish. Keeping a school of 6-8 or more barbs helps distribute the aggression among them.
• Boredom/Stress: A small tank or one without adequate decoration can cause stress and boredom, leading to aggressive behaviors.
• Competition: They can become more aggressive if competing for food or space.

Compatible Fish with Tiger Barbs:

The key is to choose tank mates that are robust, fast, and do not have long, flowing fins. Consider fish that occupy different levels of the aquarium.

• Other Barbs: Cherry Barb, Gold Barb, Rosy Barb (in large tanks).
• Danios: Zebra Danio, Pearl Danio (fast and occupy the upper level).
• Robust Tetras: Buenos Aires Tetra, Serpae Tetra, Diamond Tetra (avoid very small neons or cardinals).
• Rainbowfish: Smaller and active species.
• Corydoras: Occupy the bottom and are usually ignored (ensure they have hiding places).
• Plecos: Such as Clown Pleco or Ancistrus (avoid very large species).
• Loaches: Clown Loach (require very large tanks), Kubotai Loach, Striata Loach (also need a school and space).

Incompatible Fish (Avoid):

• Fish with Long Fins: Bettas, Guppies, Angelfish, Goldfish (cold water besides). Their fins will be a constant target.
• Slow or Timid Fish: Gouramis (especially smaller ones), Dwarf Cichlids (like Ramirezi or Apistogramma), Discus. They will be stressed and harassed.
• Very Small or Delicate Fish: Neons, small Rasboras (can be intimidated or even preyed upon if very small).

Kyle (2019) highlights that the environment in which tiger barbs live can affect their aggressiveness, which could result in a decrease in their population in the aquarium; however, the researcher concludes that using different conditions in the rearing environment can decrease the fish’s aggressiveness, varying the size of P. tetrazona in an aquarium does not affect their behavior, and increasing the population makes them more aggressive.

Always introduce tiger barbs last if possible, or at least ensure the other inhabitants are already established. Carefully observe interactions after introducing new fish. The compatibility of the tiger barb fish depends heavily on tank size, decoration, and the size of the barb school.

Diseases of Sumatra Barb Fish

Although they are hardy fish, tiger barbs can be affected by common aquarium fish diseases, especially if stressed by poor water conditions, an inadequate tank, or incompatible tank mates.

• Ich (White Spot – Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): The most common parasitic disease. It manifests as small white spots (like grains of salt) on the body and fins. Fish may scratch against objects. It is treated by gradually increasing the temperature (up to 28-30°C / 82-86°F if fish tolerate it) and using commercial anti-Ich medications.
• Fin Rot: Caused by bacteria, often opportunistic in stressed fish or those in poor water quality. Fins look frayed, eroded, or have whitish/reddish edges. Urgently improve water quality and use antibacterial treatments if necessary.
• Dropsy (Bloat): Not a specific disease, but a symptom of internal infection (bacterial or organ failure). The fish swells, scales protrude (pinecone appearance). It is difficult to treat and often fatal. Prevention through good water quality and diet is key.
• Fungal Infections: Appear as white or gray cottony growths on the body or fins, often on pre-existing wounds. Treated with antifungal medications.

Prevention: The best strategy against tiger barb diseases is prevention:

• Maintain excellent water quality (ammonia/nitrite 0, low nitrates).
• Perform regular water changes.
• Avoid overpopulation and overcrowding.
• Provide an appropriately sized tank with suitable decoration.
• Keep an adequately sized school (6+).
• Choose compatible tank mates.
• Offer a varied, high-quality diet.
• Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main aquarium.

Conclusion

The tiger barb or Sumatra barb is undoubtedly an attractive fish full of personality that can be a wonderful addition to a well-planned community aquarium. The active and gregarious behavior of these fish is fascinating to observe. However, they are not the best choice for absolute beginners or for small tanks or those with delicate inhabitants due to their semi-aggressive nature and their space and schooling requirements.

If you are willing to provide them with a spacious aquarium (minimum 110-150 liters / 30-40 gallons), keep them in an appropriate group (6-8 or more), and carefully choose their tank mates, you will be rewarded with a vibrant and dynamic display. Remembering their care needs, feeding, and understanding their compatibility and behavior, you can enjoy these barb fish for many years.

Bibliographic References

Bekkozhayeva, D., Saberioon, M. & Cisar, P. Automatic individual non-invasive photo-identification of fish (Sumatra barb Puntigrus tetrazona) using visible patterns on a body. Aquacult Int 29, 1481–1493 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-021-00684-8

Burduhos, P. (2023). Reproduction of Puntigrus tetrazona (Bleeker, 1855) in aquarium. Animal Biology & Animal Husbandry, 15(2), 81-83.

Kyle Francis. 2019. Different Environmental Conditions: Its Effect to the Development of Aggressive Behavior among Puntigrus tetrazona (Tiger Barbs). Vol. 3 No. 2O (2019): Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Koncara, G., Utomo, N., Setiawati, M., & Yamin, M. (2019). Improved quality of color sumatra barb, Puntigrus tetrazona (Bleeker, 1855) with artificial feed enriched red spinach flour (Amaranthus tricolor L.). Jurnal Iktiologi Indonesia, 19(1), 53 – 64. https://doi.org/10.32491/jii.v19i1.398

Lindstrom, A., & Volkoff, H. (2025). Endocrine regulation of feeding in non-transgenic and transgenic fluorescent orange tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 367, 114730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114730

Lipscomb, T.N., Durland Donahou, A., Yanong, R.P., Boldt, N.C. and DiMaggio, M.A. (2022), Investigations into Early Larval Feeding Practices for the Tiger Barb Puntigrus tetrazona. North Am J Aquaculture, 84: 53-65. https://doi.org/10.1002/naaq.10215

Setia Indra, Setiawati Mia, Jusadi Dedi. 2022. Penggunaan Tepung Bunga Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) dalam Pakan terhadap Kualitas Warna dan Pertumbuhan Ikan Sumatra (Puntigrus tetrazona). UT – Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science

Sharpe Shirlie. 2022. Tiger Barb Fish Species Profile: Characteristics, Origin, and Helpful Information for Hobbyists. The Spruce Pets

Wijianto, W., Nirmala, K., Hastuti, Y., & Supriyono, E. (2020). The color quality of Sumatra barb Puntigrus tetrazona (Bleeker, 1855) in different light spectrum exposure. Jurnal Iktiologi Indonesia, 20(3), 281-295. https://doi.org/10.32491/jii.v20i3.534

Woods Robert. 2019. Tiger Barb: Species Profile & Care Guide. Fishkeeping World.

Yang Alison. 2020. Tiger Barb 101: Care, Tank Mates, Size, Breeding & More. Aquarium Source.

Milthon Lujan

Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.