{"product_id":"tiger-barb-brook","title":"Tiger Barb Brook","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are vibrant, energetic tropical freshwater fish known for their striking black stripes, golden-orange bodies and bright red fins. Their bold colouring and lively personalities make them a popular choice for aquarists wanting plenty of movement and activity in their aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese active schooling fish are naturally social and are particularly entertaining when kept in larger groups, where they can be seen chasing, interacting and swimming together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough Tiger Barbs are hardy and relatively easy to care for, they are known for their boisterous behaviour and occasional fin-nipping. They are best suited to aquariums with plenty of swimming space, a good-sized group of their own kind and carefully selected tank mates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003ePuntigrus tetrazona\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Easy to moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Active, social and semi-aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 6–7 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 5–7 years with proper care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn aquarium of approximately 100 litres or larger is recommended for a group of Tiger Barbs, with larger tanks preferred for additional swimming space and improved water stability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are highly active swimmers and benefit from longer aquariums, ideally with at least 80 cm of swimming length.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA planted aquarium with driftwood, smooth rocks and sheltered areas around the edges provides an excellent environment while leaving plenty of open space for schooling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood filtration, well-oxygenated water and gentle to moderate water movement are ideal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow Many Should Be Kept Together?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs should be kept in groups of at least 8, although groups of 10–12 or more are strongly recommended when aquarium space allows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese fish naturally establish a social hierarchy within their group. Keeping sufficient numbers helps distribute chasing and competitive behaviour, reducing the likelihood of aggression towards other aquarium inhabitants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen kept individually or in small groups, Tiger Barbs can become more aggressive and are more likely to nip the fins of other fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs can also school with other colour varieties of the same species, including Gold Tiger Barbs and Green Tiger Barbs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal Water Temperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e22–27°C, with approximately 24–26°C being an excellent target for everyday care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are tropical fish and require stable water temperatures, generally maintained with a reliable aquarium heater.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs thrive in clean, well-filtered freshwater with stable water parameters and good oxygenation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Hardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Flow: Gentle to moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium: Fully cycled and regularly maintained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are relatively adaptable to different water conditions but should not be exposed to sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular partial water changes and good filtration will help maintain their health and activity levels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet containing both plant-based and protein-rich foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality tropical flakes or small pellets should form the foundation of their diet, supplemented with occasional frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey may also enjoy suitable vegetable-based foods for additional variety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are enthusiastic feeders, so offer controlled portions and avoid overfeeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are best suited to active community aquariums with similarly sized, robust fish that can comfortably handle their energetic behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tank mates may include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Tiger Barbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreen Tiger Barbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZebra Danios\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger, active Rainbowfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYo-Yo Loaches in suitably sized aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther robust, compatible community fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid housing Tiger Barbs with slow-moving, delicate or long-finned species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish such as Bettas, Guppies, Angelfish and many Gouramis are generally unsuitable companions due to the risk of fin-nipping and harassment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThings to Be Cautious Of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFin-Nipping:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tiger Barbs are known for nipping the fins of other fish, particularly slow-moving or long-finned species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They should be kept in groups of at least 8, with larger groups recommended to help manage aggression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAggression:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Although not typically aggressive predators, they can be boisterous and may chase or intimidate smaller, timid fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwimming Space:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e These active fish require plenty of open swimming room and should not be kept in small or overcrowded aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Mate Selection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Avoid delicate species such as Bettas, Angelfish and fancy Guppies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding Behaviour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tiger Barbs can be enthusiastic feeders and may outcompete slower fish for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Quality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They require clean, stable aquarium conditions and should only be introduced into fully cycled aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour Variation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Natural differences in stripe intensity, body colour and fin colouring may occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelpful Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiger Barbs are a fantastic choice for aquarists wanting a colourful, lively and entertaining schooling fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir striking black stripes and warm orange colouring create a beautiful contrast against green aquatic plants and natural decorations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are particularly enjoyable to watch in larger groups, where their natural social interactions and energetic swimming patterns become more noticeable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough they are relatively hardy fish, their active temperament means they require more careful tank mate selection than many peaceful community species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProviding a suitable group, plenty of swimming space, clean water and compatible tank mates will help these energetic fish thrive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Animal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67908026204330,"sku":"TN54","price":11.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/3564\/4330\/files\/Tiger-Barb-1.png?v=1794475971","url":"https:\/\/petpatch.co.nz\/products\/tiger-barb-brook","provider":"Pet Patch","version":"1.0","type":"link"}