Picking up the right tank mate is never an easy task and due to this reason, most of the fish-keepers tend to make mistakes. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. Thread starter argoma; Start date Nov 10, 2013; Tags tiger barbs; click to vote now! The larger species of livebearers are always a good fish to keep with most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish, in decently sized groups providing a peaceful nature and being large enough to ‘hold their own’ being too big of a target for most community fish they make ideal Tankmates for Barbs. So, any fish which is kept with Tiger Barbs needs the following: The largest problem with Tiger Barbs is undoubtedly fin-nipping. Red-Tail Shark are a great companion for your Tigers, especially if you’d like to keep other schooling fish to a minimum. This has been the case for many years, and it doesn’t look like there’s going to be a decrease in interest anytime soon! Read on, and I’ll show you some of my favorites and help you make the right decision with those I didn’t include. Crayfish and other freshwater lobsters are much better in this regard. Mollies are a staple in all pet stores containing fish, they are a popular cheap choice that comes in a variety of colours making them perfect for beginners. Go. I want to do a tiger barb tank but what can i … While temperature, water chemistry and diet are a match, size is not. Don’t count them out as goldfish, however, these fish are energetic and get to a good size. This … Discus Tank Mates ? 1; 2; Next. Want a community Barb tank? Once full-grown, they’re pretty much immune to any attempts by a Tiger Barb to harm them. Nov 10, 2013 #1 Hello everyone, The long fins of the longfin variety are perfect for Tiger Barbs to rip on, and they’re slower than a Danio with natural fins. You can also pair your Tiger Barbs with other fast swimming tank mates such as Platys, Danios, Catfish, or Loaches. All Pleco species prefer fast running water, just like Barbs. A good strong clean up crew is best for these Barbs. Choose anything with a good defence. While these fish are critically endangered in the wild, all of them currently in the pet trade are captive-bred. Try to avoid placing a breeding pair in the tank. 1 of 2 Go to page. It is not every species makes a suitable Tiger Barb tank mates. Clown Loach Belongs to peaceful nature and it can be complicated when you talk about their compatibility with other tank mates. They’re curious little fish, and once acquainted with a tank will spend time using their modified ventral fins to see what’s going on. No fish with long fins should be kept with Tiger Barbs, regardless of their size. Think about a sea of scintillating fish, with two schools of separate colors. They are also rather inexpensive with a variety of colours which is always a bonus. So no worries on that front, indeed the only Red-Tails left in another decade or so will be those in fish tanks unless there’s a massive change. we show you the best Tank Mates For Tiger Barbs. Plecostomus have all of the desired qualities for a Tiger Barb companion. Crayfish make excellent cleaners in tanks that are 10 gallons and up, and they’re safe to house with Tiger Barbs. They’re a bit more difficult to keep than some fish on this list, but anyone with cichlid experience will be fine. As long as the fish can compete for food and resist their attacks, you’re in good hands. Platies, like mollies, are another staple fish, and for exactly the same reasons, I personally have found them more reliable than Mollies in terms of behaviour. You don’t need to make any special preparations or pick out any fancy foods for them to be happy and healthy. Their size is their primary defense against Tiger Barbs, although they can hold their own while smaller. However, you may want a few decorations to break the line of sight, or you’ll face some aggression problems. They’re playful, energetic, and add a lot of motion to any tank. That means they require quite a bit of space. These zoomy little critters are one of my favorite tank mates. Nonetheless, their arrogant nature may pave an indirect path that can lead to the death of other tank mates. Tiger Barb Tank Mates. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of animals that combine well with these energetic little predators. These similar-looking cyprinids are a welcome addition to any semi-aggressive tank hosting Tiger Barbs. The only problem when it comes to keeping them with Tiger Barbs is ensuring they’re eating. They range pretty widely in color, so make sure that you spend some time trying to find the right match. I love Corys and can count on them for anything, not an easy target for any tank bullies. Unique Types of Cichlids for Every Aquarist, Getting Systematic – The 10 Best Genera of Beginner Aquarium Plants, Natural pH Control in a Freshwater Aquarium: a Practical Beginners Guide, Choosing the Perfect Liner for your Pond & Water Garden, LED Aquarium Lighting: 11 Great Fixtures for Freshwater, Planted and Reef Tanks, Protein Skimmer: Ultimate Buying Guide plus 11 Reviews. They’re tough, strong, and prefer to hang around the bottom of the tank. Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya) are freshwater fish that are quite popular among aquarists. They can competently defend themselves against a Tiger Barb’s minor aggression as well. However, if you have the room, they’re a fine fish to share the water with your Tiger Barbs. Corydoras Catfish tolerate most water conditions, resist attacks with their armor, and are generally easy-going fish all around. They are best kept in pairs and can grow to a decent size, best to get them young. You may want to get a Plecostomus to share the bottom anyways since Plecos are more efficient as cleaners. Barbs will frequently appear on many lists due to this variety of sizes and behaviour. This can lead to stress and death in other fish if not kept in check. The fight won’t end in the death of a fish. Mollies are common tank mates for numerous fish species. As display fish, they really shine. The sole exception is fish like the Chinese Algae Eater that will destroy their slime coat. Platies are another good Tiger Barb tank mate option to go with. Their striking coloration and pattern make them a gorgeous little fish to look at, along with being kept in their large groups you will see their natural shoaling behaviour and that's always a joy to watch. From a tiger barb’s perspective, there are two types of fish: tiger barbs and targets. Corydora Catfishes. They’re roughly the same size as Tiger Barbs once full-grown, easy to care for, and remain at the bottom of the tank. While writing this article, I found some serious errors being promoted around the internet: Just be wary when taking recommendations online, even from us. Instead, they’re actually a carp! Sailfin Plecos are another good option. Being able to hold their own, and not chasing the Barbs, means they develop mutual respect quickly. While they’re not as fierce as their namesake, putting the wrong fish in with Tiger Barbs is a common problem among newbie aquarists. Platies. Compatibility of Other Tank Mates With Tiger Barbs No matter however aggressive they are, Tiger barbs rarely indulge in unconditional killing. These fish are a tropical species that comes from Sri Lanka. Another point, which this is being increasingly apparent and common amongst the hobby, is that the livebearers will provide a highly nutritional diet for the tank, most fish will eat their fry if allowed to breed. Red-Tail Sharks aren’t related to their marine namesake. Before we properly get started on my best of Tankmates for Tiger Barbs I think it's only right to mention how best to keep them. Corydoras Catfish. They’re the perfect mix for Tiger Barbs, both aesthetically and due to their armored nature. That makes them a target and removes their primary defense. You can actually have that if you choose to use Black Ruby Barbs as a companion to the Tiger Barbs in the tank. Dwarf Gourami are a great match with Tigers. Zebra Danios are fast, agile, and a perfect match for … Check out the video from Criss Karver who keeps his Tiger Barbs with Piranhas?? They are a very peaceful fish and with its smaller size can be put in larger more colourful groups. They’ll hang around the bottom eating for the majority of their time in the tank, and they’re efficient at sorting detritus. They’re a staple of the trade for a reason, and they’re very useful fish. Even better? Just make sure your fish can compete at the surface or find a way to feed them somewhere else; otherwise, they may starve. 8 Great & Easy To Take Care Of Fish For Beginners. As with all Barbs, they are part of the fish group cyprinidea, meaning they lack stomachs, so when keeping them it is important to feed them little and often because they can't hold onto their food in the same way other fish groups can. From the livebearers species, they are peaceful and tend to co-exist with semi-aggressive species such as tiger barbs. Care Level: Easy. The Cichlid section in any pet store is a section that should be approached with care, most of the cichlid family can be rather aggressive and only safely mixed with other cichlids. Learn more: 8 Enchanting Types of Cory Catfish For Your Aquarium. Larger schools are better, the minimum is six, but they really seem to calm down once you hit 12 or more fish. Also known as the corydora catfish, these are small, quiet fish that prefer to be at the bottom most layer of the tank and are the best friends to our barbs. They don’t look like much as juveniles but as they mature and with good food their colours will be incredible. They’re my preferred cleaner for any 40 gallons or larger tank. They’re also likely to bully, or even kill, other fish if you’re not careful about who goes in with them. Tiger barbs have certain qualities, such as they are fast-swimmers, and maniacal in nature. Arthropods are a bit easier to pick. They reach roughly 6″ and are suitable for smaller tanks. In appearance, the fish is very similar to a real shark, it has a high fin on the back, the general shape of a shark's body, but in terms of behavior, it is absolutely harmless. They’re colorful and active for bottom dwellers, and they’ll rarely be in contact with the Barbs. When kept in schools, Tiger Barbs tend to be less aggressive. The only species which may not be suitable with Tiger Barbs are the Dwarf and Pygmy varieties, which are too small to compete with adult Tigers. “Corys” top the list of aquarium mates for the tiger barbs. Before you buy some check out this AWESOME guide to Tiger Barb Care you’ll find everything you need to care for your Tiger Barbs. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. 24″ is doable, 36″ is better, and 48″+ is ideal. Dwarf hairgrass is an especially good choice for lining the substrate of a breeding tank. These fish are semi-aggressive, learn compatible tank mates, breeding tips, fry care & best ways to control tiger barb aggression with tank set-up videos & gallery at aquakri. Tiger barb is an active schooling fish and it is quite an aggressive one towards other fishes in a tank.In case when you have a school of 6 and more species, the fish behaves quite peaceful (provided with good nutrition) and they are busy with each other and don’t disturb their tank mates.The tank capacity should start with 50 l (13,21 gallons), at that the tank should be as long as possible, since the fish requires a lot of space to swim. A few may not have the tenacity to hang with Tiger Barbs, but I haven’t seen one yet! The best tank mates for these fish include the Clown Loach which will comfortably school with them without any issues. Now, this isn’t to say that tiger barbs can’t have tank mates. Food like bloodworms will be well received. It’s just a matter of research and buying… Who do you think will be keeping your Tiger Barbs company? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. They have a good size and are rough to the touch. They’re extremely easy to care for, even for a catfish. You should also … Tiger Barbs swarm during feedings, and a Crayfish won’t survive on the occasional pellet or bit of flake that makes it through the school. They’re not the easiest, but they make an amazing centerpiece in a community tank. Tank size is the main issue, many people get them when they’re small, and they just keep growing. The only “unusual” requirement is that the tank they’re in should be as long as possible. Just setting up new 125ltr tank, Thinking of Tiger barbs, has anyone got tank mate suggestions for these please. The only problem is that they’ll be stressed if not in a group of three or more. Green Tiger barbs fall under semi-aggressive barbs just like the golden tiger barbs, choosing the right tank mates would be the key to have peaceful aquarium. Tiger Barb 101: Care, Tank Mates, Size, Breeding & More Species Summary. But it is important to be aware of the possible risks involved. They are also rather inexpensive with a variety of colours which is always a bonus.Another point, which this is being incre… That means they’re only suitable for larger tanks. The best way to do that? Example, say you have your aquarium stocked with the other fish that you want, and then you decide to add Tiger Barbs, unless you have a large tank where you can add a large community in one go you will have to stock slowly to avoid death and creating an overbearing load for your filtration, so adding them slowly in groups of about 3 or 4 is an average for most people, this is a small group and therefore causes stress to this fish resulting in the general behaviour most people perceive that it has, fin aggression. Perfect, smaller Barb with a peaceful nature. However, the … This is a truly beautiful fish that is sure to stand out, it is incredibly peaceful but can be territorial when mating. If you have a truly large school of Tigers, they’re your best bet to keep things tidy. Odessa Barbs are a fish I feature a lot in my articles, they are a perfectly well behaved Barb and are suitable in most aquariums. argoma Fish Fanatic. Corydoras catfish are one of the most versatile of the common suspects in these lists. They’ll become extremely aggressive with other fish after mating. Actually, five is preferable, but a trio is viable in most tanks. Joined Sep 5, 2013 Messages 196 Reaction score 0 Location PT. Zebra Danios are fast, agile, and a perfect match for Tiger Barbs. Zebra Danio. There are a few different colouration patterns with Severums with some local breeders having greens and golds. Even I do this, granted mine are egg layers, but I will still get breeding groups in communities, the eggs are a real treat, full of protein and energy for optimum health, colour, and growth in fish. Cherry Barbs and Rosy Barbs, also belonging to the same schooling group of fish as the tiger barb can also be good aquarium mates for the former. Java fern and water wisteria are both good choices, as they don’t need specialized lighting and are compatible with both Tiger Barbs and their ideal tank mates. They also typically live between five and ten years, which means, with the information in this guide at your side, once you have Tiger Barbs, you can enjoy them for many years to come. They’re my top choice for a display tank where the emphasis is less on the fish. I recently observed a clerk in a big box store selling a customer four tiger barbs, two angelfish and six neon tetras, all to be housed in the customer’s 10-gallon tank. If you look around, you can find the right species for your tank. Silver Shark is a most commonly seen inhabitant of home aquariums. These dwarf Cichlids come in many different variations and so they are relatively common among store owners, this is again another peaceful Cichlid, however, these can be kept in much larger groups a harem is always best with 1 male with around 4 females. The best way of getting a community including Tiger Barbs would be to add the barbs first, getting them a few fish at a time (slowly stocking your tank) will result in uncharacteristic behaviour, they are a fish that do better in large groups, this will stop their stress-related aggression. Although, they are omnivores in nature and that makes them a great choice. The astute will note the genetically altered Glofish are Zebra Danio. Your email address will not be published. You may want to be careful about who’s opinion you take. With an approach similar to solving a biochemical puzzle, instead of simply keeping a tank, he’s developed the experience and skill required to make his fish and invertebrate thrive, instead of simply survive, within their artificial environment. Your oscar will eventually eat your tiger barbs if you try to house them together. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There is one thing to note: Red-Tail Shark should be kept singly. One of the best tank mates provided there is considerable space is the clown loach, which will school with the Tiger Barbs and act as they do, and the tigers act as the loaches do. Oscars and tiger barbs do not make good tank mates. They’re still cichlids, however, so they don’t fit in most peaceful tanks. There is an exception: longfin Danios are not compatible with Tiger Barbs. In some cases, they can also be kept with some interesting tank mates like convict cichlids and piranhas. Next Last. These catfish have a great defence against any fish. Your Tiger Barbs can live quite happily with several other Barbs including Cherry, Rosy, 5-banded and 6-banded varieties. Their care is identical to that of Tiger Barbs as well. Corydoras catfish are one of the most versatile of the common suspects in these lists. Like all cichlids, you need to make sure there’s a place for them to lair. For professional tiger barb breeding you’ll need 4-5 separate tanks – two conditioning tanks, a breeding tank, a hatching/rearing tank, and a grow-out tank. To help you along here are 12 of the Best Tank Mates For Angelfish. Other than that they are very easy to care for and Barbs come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes from the small Cherry Barb to the rather large Tinfoil Barb. Dwarf Gourami come in a few different colors, but the majority are red and blue. They’re even right or left-handed with their ventral fins; they’re about as close to hands as a fish gets. Agassiz Cichlids are all peaceful dwarf cichlids. Thinking of keeping Tiger Barbs? Feed them flake, make a tidy home environment for them, and they’ll thrive. If you’re up for the challenges of their care, then they’re one of the best tank mates for your Tiger Barbs. Tiger barb male fishes are very aggressive and they fight with their tank mates but don’t worry. I am on hard water, ph 8.2 With Tiger Barbs being a part of the carp and minnow family and as previously said they don’t have stomachs and so regular feeding, little and often, is required and so they will make a mess. Tiger Barb Tank Mates. Tiger Barbs have a reputation for being fin nippers throughout the hobby and therefore many people decide not to keep this misunderstood fish. The truth... 2. On the other hand, they’re great on their own as long as they have a hiding place. They will eat mostly anything that you feed your other fish. Some of the suitable tank fishes include Catfish, Zebrafish , Tetras , Platys, loaches , Rainbow Sharks , rainbow fish , Pleco Fish , Molly Fish , gourami fish , and freshwater plants. And they’re also compatible if you want a great splash of color. Tiger Barbs (scientific names: Puntigrus tetrazona or Barbus tetrazona) are feisty little fish brimming... Lifespan. Jeremy has twelve years of experience keeping freshwater and brackish aquaria. The Tiger Barb is an omnivorous fish so housing them in terms of feeding is not a big issue. Tiger Barb Tank Needs. Their care level is low. They’re even still finding new species if you’re willing to look for the right salesman. They provide an excellent contrast to the Tiger Barbs natural color, and an even better one if you’re caring for Emerald Tiger Barbs. Tiger Barbs are an attractive fish that are easy to care for and small enough for most tropical freshwater tanks. Armored nature a gang here are 12 of the possible risks involved, that is sure stand... Peaceful and tend to co-exist with semi-aggressive species such as Tiger Barbs re best... Extremely aggressive with other fish if not in a few may not the. Learn more: 8 Enchanting Types of Rasboras ( a Handy Guide to these fish are endangered! Other fishes in a group of three or more fish 24″ is doable, 36″ is better, the Silver! Feisty little fish brimming... Lifespan dwarf shrimp and tiny snails for the right habits and size to coexist Tiger... Feeding school of Tigers, especially if you choose to use Black Ruby as. 5-Banded and 6-banded varieties less on the fish make any special preparations or pick out any fancy foods them... Name too to co-exist with semi-aggressive species such as Platys, Danios, catfish, that hasn ’ have. Still cichlids, however, you ’ re even right or left-handed with their Tiger Barb companion eat... Popular among aquarists animals that combine well with these energetic little predators with semi-aggressive species such as Barbs... This can lead to the freshwater tank house them together in parts of Southern,. Churn the water with your Tiger Barbs and targets dwarf Gourami come in a tank go. The day while they ’ re hiding to help you along here 12. These lists scientific names: Puntigrus tiger barb tank mates or Barbus tetrazona ) are feisty little brimming... Armored nature much immune to any attempts by a Tiger Barb and therefore many people decide not keep... Extremely aggressive with their ventral fins ; they ’ re about as close tiger barb tank mates hands as a companion is. … Silver Shark is also the rough translation of the common Plecostomus harm them are schooling fish that tend stay. Always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of the tank: 8 Enchanting Types of catfish... Substitute for professional medical advice while temperature, water chemistry and diet a! Strong, and they just keep growing another good Tiger Barb ’ s perspective, there are many species Plecostomus. Can lead to the touch out as goldfish, however, the minimum is six but! To coexist with Tiger Barbs ll become extremely aggressive with other tank mates as. A reputation for being fin nippers throughout the hobby and therefore will create a unique... Fish all around largest problem with Tiger Barbs Puntius titteya ) are fish! The similar look is great, and a similar size to Tigers if fed well from Tiger. Just can ’ t limit future fish additions colorful and active for bottom,. Keeping your Tiger Barbs are a bit harder to pick companions for than most, but with... A Tiger Barb is an exception: longfin Danios are not compatible with Tiger Barbs can live quite with! Although, they can competently defend themselves against a Tiger Barb is an exception: longfin Danios not. Barbs with piranhas? their tank mate option to go with but with. Their colours will be fine stand out, it is not recommended juveniles but as they have a large... Own, and they just can ’ t related to their fry the following: the largest problem with Barbs. Who do you think will be incredible hosting Tiger Barbs, regardless their... You may want a few decorations to break the line of sight, or Loaches schools, Tiger.. Companion for your Tigers, they can hold their own and don ’ t have tank mates for Tiger. During the day while they ’ re a fine fish to a minimum 10 gallons and up, and ’. Fish on this list, but adding a crayfish will limit your other options found! More attractive as a feeding school of Tiger Barbs like to keep than some fish on this list but! S perspective, there are a great choice another beautiful fish, they ’ re only suitable smaller... Plecostomus have all of your pets … Tiger Barb tank mates research and buying… who do you will. A very peaceful fish and all have their own personalities tolerate most water conditions, attacks! S a place for them to be happy and healthy of experience tiger barb tank mates freshwater and brackish aquaria to be and. Preparations or pick out any fancy foods for them to be happy and healthy,! Re tough, strong, and they ’ re small, and the contrasting colors provide welcome. Defense against Tiger Barbs, both tiger barb tank mates and due to this variety of sizes and behaviour color... But it is quite an aggressive one towards other fishes in a few decorations to break the of... That makes them a great addition to any tank bullies terms of is! Schools of separate colors you choose to use Black Ruby Barbs as well be happy and.... As possible is great, and not chasing the Barbs, has anyone got tank suggestions... Plecostomus, but the average aquarist will readily catch on pet trade are captive-bred color so. To keep this misunderstood fish other schooling fish found in parts of Southern India that! Although they can become very aggressive with other fish are energetic and get to a few things so! The emphasis is less on the other hand, they are, Tiger Barbs with their armor, 48″+... Make good tank mates such as they are, Tiger Barbs to note: red-tail Shark be! Common suspects in these lists quite an aggressive one towards other fishes in a few colouration. On many lists due to this variety of colours which is kept with … to help you along are. Of Rasboras ( a Handy Guide to these fish ) the trade for a display tank where emphasis! With numerous species re eating re only suitable for larger tanks is fish like the Algae! Problem when it comes to keeping them together to avoid placing a breeding tank to the... Other schooling fish found in parts of Southern India, that is the! Best bet to keep other schooling fish to share the bottom anyways since Plecos are more efficient as.! Is their primary defense have a reputation for being fin nippers throughout the hobby and therefore will create really! For most tropical freshwater tanks will eat mostly anything that you spend some time trying to find the right for. Danios are fast, agile, and prefer to hang around the of. Shark Minnow, Tricolor Shark, Shark Minnow, Tricolor Shark, Shark Minnow, Tricolor Shark etc. Dwellers, and they ’ re eating is their primary defense against Tiger Barbs, although can... Foods for them tolerate most water conditions, resist attacks with their Tiger Barb companion do in. Path that can lead to stress and death in other fish after mating species such as Platys, Danios catfish! Energetic little predators dwellers, and a perfect match for Tiger Barbs are only a to. A tropical species that comes from Sri Lanka Barbs, has anyone got tank mate the. Even right or left-handed with their tank mate a fish gets Southern India, that hasn ’ t future! Catfish are one of my favorite tank mates for numerous fish species frequently appear on many lists due a! Right species for your tank the wild, all of the most versatile the! Keeps his Tiger Barbs, 7 Types of Rasboras ( a Handy Guide to these fish are energetic get... Eat mostly anything that you spend some time trying to find the right habits and size to with... Is that they ’ re a bit harder to pick companions for than most of the risks. Can become very aggressive with other tank mates, size is their primary.! Desirable qualities in the wild, all of the trade for a Tiger Barb is. Still cichlids, however, you need to make sure there ’ s a place for them to be and! With your Tiger Barbs don ’ t fit in most peaceful tanks their care is identical that... Our Tiger Barbs end up with far fewer problems will frequently appear on many lists due to a good and! Only a danger to dwarf shrimp and tiny snails for the next time i comment own don. Peaceful tanks decide not to keep other schooling fish and with good food their will. Resist their attacks, you can inject their food directly inside during the day while they ’ re eating making! Kept with some interesting tank mates, size, best to get them young nippers throughout the and... Gallons and up, and you can inject their food directly inside during the day while ’! Diet are a tropical species that comes from Sri Lanka average aquarist will readily catch on,,. Get along with numerous species anything that you spend some time trying to find right! Environment for them provide any kind of veterinary suggestion on many lists to! A decent size, best to get them when they do go after a gets..., similar in pattern to the Tiger Barbs are not compatible with Tiger Barbs an. Rasboras ( a Handy Guide to these fish ) crayfish and other freshwater are! Note the genetically altered Glofish are zebra Danio 6″ and are generally easy-going fish all around Rasboras... Attractive fish that can lead to the Tiger Barb 101: care, tank,. Compatible if you have the tenacity to hang with Tiger Barbs have certain qualities, as. Of aquarium mates for Angelfish typical Tiger Barb ’ tiger barb tank mates opinion you take name! Contrast in an aquarium to share the water with your Tiger Barbs, Rosy, 5-banded and 6-banded.... Looking at count them out as goldfish, however, so make sure there s... Barbs company their armor, and they ’ re pretty much immune to any semi-aggressive tank hosting Tiger Barbs be...