TIGER BARB (Puntigrus tetrazona)

Tiger Barb for Sale in Canada

The Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is one of the most popular and recognizable freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its bold black vertical stripes, orange-red body accents, and energetic behavior, this species brings constant movement and visual excitement to community aquariums. Widely kept by aquarists in Canada, Tiger Barbs are valued for their hardiness, affordability, and dynamic schooling activity. Tiger Barb Canada

Native to the freshwater streams of Southeast Asia, Tiger Barbs thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable conditions and plenty of swimming space. When kept in proper schools, they display natural behavior and reduced aggression, making them an excellent addition to active community tanks.

Why Choose Tiger Barbs for Your Aquarium?

Tiger Barbs are a classic aquarium fish that combine bold appearance with lively personality.

Iconic Black Stripes and Orange Body

The most recognizable feature of the Tiger Barb is its four bold black vertical stripes contrasted against a golden-orange body. This striking pattern gives the fish its “tiger-like” appearance and makes it highly visible in planted or decorative aquariums.

Under aquarium lighting, their colors become more intense, especially when they are kept in healthy, active schools.

Energetic and Highly Active Schooling Behavior

Tiger Barbs are extremely active swimmers that spend most of their time moving through the middle levels of the aquarium. Their constant motion adds energy and life to any freshwater setup.

They are best kept in groups, where their natural behavior becomes more balanced and less aggressive.

Ideal Tank Mates for Tiger Barbs

Because of their active nature, Tiger Barbs should be housed with similarly robust fish.

Compatible Tank Mates

• Rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Bristlenose Plecos
• Larger Tetras (Congo, Colombian, Black Phantom)
• Loaches
• Black Ruby Barbs
• Danios

Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish such as angelfish or bettas, as Tiger Barbs may nip fins.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Tiger Barbs are hardy and adaptable but thrive best in structured, well-maintained aquariums.

Recommended Tank Conditions

• Temperature: 74°F – 80°F (23°C – 27°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Soft to moderately hard water
• Moderate filtration and flow
• Planted aquarium with open swimming space
• Minimum group size: 8–10 fish

Adding plants and décor along tank edges helps reduce aggression and encourage schooling behavior.

Feeding Requirements

Tiger Barbs are omnivores and very easy to feed.

Recommended Foods

• High-quality flakes
• Micro pellets
• Frozen bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Vegetable-based foods
• Freeze-dried foods

A varied diet helps maintain strong coloration and active behavior.

Behavior and Schooling

Tiger Barbs are social fish that display their best behavior when kept in larger groups. In proper schools, aggression is reduced and natural hierarchy behavior stabilizes.

In small groups, they may become fin-nippy, so proper stocking is essential.

Why Buy Tiger Barbs from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Monster Aquarium Canada supplies healthy, active Tiger Barbs selected for strong coloration, energy, and overall quality. Each fish is carefully acclimated to ensure safe transition into home aquariums across Canada.

Whether you’re building a high-energy community tank, Southeast Asian biotope, or mixed barb aquarium, Tiger Barbs deliver unmatched movement, durability, and classic aquarium appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Tiger Barbs get?

They typically grow to about 2.5 inches (6–7 cm).

How many Tiger Barbs should be kept together?

A group of at least 8–10 is recommended to reduce aggression and encourage natural schooling.

Are Tiger Barbs aggressive?

They can be semi-aggressive if kept in small numbers, but proper schooling greatly reduces this behavior.

Can Tiger Barbs live in planted tanks?

Yes. They thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming areas.

What makes Tiger Barbs popular?

Their bold stripes, active behavior, and hardiness make them one of the most iconic freshwater aquarium fish.