The Red Tiger Barb is a colorful and active variety of the Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona), selectively bred for a more intense red or orange coloration. Like their wild-type cousins, they are energetic, schooling freshwater fish that can bring vibrant life to a community aquarium—if tankmates are chosen wisely.

🐠 Overview

🔥 What Makes It “Red”?

• The Red Tiger Barb is a selectively bred variant of the classic tiger barb.

• It retains the black vertical stripes, but the silver body is replaced by red/orange hues.

• Some lines show deeper red or more orange depending on diet, lighting, and breeding quality.

🎨 Appearance

• Color: Red-orange body with 4 bold black vertical stripes

• Fins: Often reddish with black tips

• Body Shape: Deep-bodied, slightly compressed laterally

• Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Males: Brighter colors, slimmer

  • Females: Rounder belly, slightly duller

🏡 Tank Requirements

Provide open swimming areas and hiding spots.

🧬 Behavior & Temperament

• Temperament:

  • Energetic and curious

  • Known fin-nippers—especially if not kept in large enough schools

  • Social hierarchy within school; may chase or nip each other playfully

• Swimming Zone: Mid-level

• Tankmates:

  • Ideal: Fast-moving or robust species like danios, rasboras, rainbowfish

  • Avoid: Angelfish, guppies, bettas, slow-finned or timid species

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Staple Foods:

  • High-quality flakes or micro-pellets

• Supplemental Foods:

  • Live/frozen: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia

  • Vegetables: blanched spinach, zucchini, peas

• Feeding Frequency: 2 times daily, small portions

A varied diet enhances their red coloration and vitality.

❤️ Health & Lifespan

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with consistent care

🥚 Breeding

• Breeding Type: Egg scatterer

• Sex Differences: Males are slimmer, more vibrant

• Spawning Setup:

  • Use a separate breeding tank (20 gallons)

  • Add spawning mop or fine-leaf plants

  • Soft, slightly acidic water (pH ~6.5)

  • Males chase females; they lay 100–300 eggs

• Post-Spawning: Adults should be removed—they will eat the eggs

• Fry Care:

  • Eggs hatch in ~2 days

  • Feed infusoria, then baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food

✅ Pros & Cons

📌 Quick Summary

🧠 Tips for Success

• Always keep in groups of 6+ to spread out aggression.

• Add floating plants or shadows to calm their energy.

• Choose tankmates wisely—avoid slow, long-finned fish.

• Feed color-enhancing food to keep their red hue vibrant.