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,...
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.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Common Name | Red Tiger Barb |
Scientific Name | Puntigrus tetrazona |
Family | Cyprinidae |
Origin | Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Borneo) |
Type | Color morph of Tiger Barb |
Lifespan | 5–7 years (with proper care) |
Adult Size | 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) |
Temperament | Semi-aggressive, active |
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.
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
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Tank Size | 20+ gallons for a small school |
Schooling Needs | Minimum 6 (preferably 8–10) |
Water Temperature | 74–79°F (23–26°C) |
pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
Substrate | Dark substrate enhances colors |
Décor | Live plants, rocks, driftwood |
Filtration | Moderate to strong (oxygen-loving fish) |
Provide open swimming areas and hiding spots.
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
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.
Common Issues | Prevention/Treatment |
---|---|
Ich (white spots) | Avoid temp swings, quarantine new fish |
Fin rot | Clean water, avoid nippy tankmates |
Swim bladder issues | Avoid overfeeding, use fiber-rich food |
Aggression stress | Keep proper school size (6+) |
Lifespan: 5–7 years with consistent care
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 |
---|---|
Beautiful, fiery color | Can be aggressive in small numbers |
Hardy and beginner-friendly | Will nip slow fish and long fins |
Active, fun to watch in schools | Needs a school of 6+ to reduce aggression |
Easy to breed with setup | Adults eat eggs and fry |
Trait | Info |
---|---|
Size | 2–3 inches |
Lifespan | 5–7 years |
Temperament | Semi-aggressive, active |
Best Kept In | Schools of 6–10 or more |
Tank Size | 20–30 gallons minimum |
Water Temp | 74–79°F (23–26°C) |
Diet | Omnivorous; needs variety |
Breeding | Egg scatterer; needs separate tank |
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.
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