Appearance
Tiger Barbs have an iconic look that even novice fish-keepers will instantly recognize. The body of the fish is quite wide. It’s tallest at the middle point and tapers down to a triangular-shaped snout.
These fish are also quite colorful and have a very distinct pattern.
The base color of Tiger Barbs is usually golden yellow. Some also have subtle rose gold tint. On top of that base color are several stripes.
Care
Tiger Barb care isn’t too difficult and can be handled by aquarists without much experience (assuming you stick to the recommendations in this guide). Otherwise, they wouldn’t be as widespread as they are!
In general, these fish are relatively hardy and can adapt to simple setups as long as you cover the basics.
That said, there are some aspects of their care that’ll require a bit of special attention. Despite their small size and beautiful looks, their strong personalities can be a handful!
Here are the main care recommendations you need to know.
Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a small group of Tiger Barbs should be at least 20 gallons. However, we recommend going with a 30-gallon tank if you can.
As we mentioned earlier, these fish are avid swimmers. The more room they have, the better. Plus, ample room to swim may help stave off aggressive behavior.
Water Parameters
In the wild, you can find Tiger Barbs inhabiting lakes, streams, and swamps that are lined with trees. Thanks to the decaying plant matter in the water, conditions tend to be more acidic.
For the best results, you need to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. That includes getting the water conditions just right.
Luckily, the Tiger Barb can tolerate a generous range of conditions. As long as you stick within the following ranges, your fish should have no problem staying healthy.
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Water temperature: 68°F to 82°F degrees (aim for around 74°F if possible)
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pH levels: 6.0 to 8.0 (a slightly acidic 6.5 is best)
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Water hardness: 4 to 10 dKH
To ensure that the aquarium has the proper water parameters you should invest in a reliable and accurate test kit. This will help you have confidence in the readings you’re getting, allowing you to make the right adjustments when necessary.
