Tiger Barb | The Little Troublemaker

Red Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)

Bold, brilliant, and impossible to overlook, the Red Tiger Barb brings a fiery splash of color to the freshwater aquarium. Its rich red and reddish-orange body, accented by striking dark vertical stripes, creates a beautiful display of contrasting colors as it darts through the water.

A selectively bred color variety of the classic Tiger Barb, this lively fish retains the distinctive markings and spirited personality of its wild ancestors. Its intense coloration makes it especially eye-catching against lush aquatic plants, natural driftwood, and darker aquarium substrates.

Originally descended from Tiger Barbs native to Southeast Asia, the Red Tiger Barb is a highly social fish that thrives in the company of its own kind. Schools move with remarkable energy, weaving through the aquarium and engaging in the playful interactions that make Tiger Barbs so entertaining to observe.

Their vibrant appearance and confident personalities make Red Tiger Barbs a wonderful choice for aquarists who enjoy an active, colorful aquarium. However, their occasionally mischievous behavior means that choosing appropriate companions is essential.

Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona
• Common Name: Red Tiger Barb
• Origin: Captive-bred color variety; wild Tiger Barbs originate from Southeast Asia, including Sumatra and Borneo
• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons recommended for a school, with larger aquariums preferred
• Temperature: 74–79°F
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Water Type: Freshwater
• Temperament: Active, social, and semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Care Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Lifespan: Approximately 5–7 years with proper care
• Compatibility: Active, similarly sized fish that can tolerate their energetic behavior

Aquarium Considerations

Red Tiger Barbs are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six, although schools of eight to ten or more are strongly preferred. Larger groups encourage natural social interactions and can help distribute competitive behavior among members of the school.

Provide ample open swimming space alongside planted areas, driftwood, and sheltered corners. A darker substrate and vibrant green plants can create a particularly striking backdrop for their brilliant red coloration.

Like other Tiger Barb varieties, Red Tiger Barbs can occasionally nip at the fins of slower-moving or long-finned fish. They are not recommended as companions for Bettas, Angelfish, fancy Guppies, or other delicate species.

More suitable tankmates may include other active barbs, appropriately sized danios, and compatible bottom-dwelling fish that tolerate similar water conditions.

Red, Green, Albino, and traditionally colored Tiger Barbs belong to the same species and can generally school together. Combining these varieties can create a lively display of contrasting colors without requiring separate species-specific schools.

Strong filtration, stable water parameters, and regular aquarium maintenance are essential for keeping these energetic fish healthy.

Feeding

Red Tiger Barbs are enthusiastic omnivores that enjoy a varied diet.

Offer high-quality tropical flakes or appropriately sized pellets as their primary food, supplemented with occasional frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.

Vegetable-based foods may also be included to provide additional nutritional variety.

Feed small portions once or twice daily, removing uneaten food promptly to preserve water quality.

Live Arrival Guarantee

We take great care in helping every aquatic resident of The Sunken Garden reach its new home safely.

Please inspect your Red Tiger Barbs immediately upon delivery. If any fish arrive deceased, contact us at hello@thelovefern.com within 2 hours of confirmed delivery.

Please include:

• Your order number
• Clear photographs of the affected fish
• Photographs of the shipping bag and packaging
• A brief description of the issue

Live aquatic animals are not eligible for standard returns. All claims are subject to review under our Live Arrival Guarantee.

For questions about your order or caring for your new aquatic residents, contact hello@thelovefern.com.