Tiger barb how many

Tiger Barbs have an iconic look that even novice fish-keepers will instantly recognize. The body of the fish is quite wide. These fish are also quite colorful and have a very distinct pattern. The base color of Tiger Barbs is usually golden yellow. Some also have subtle rose gold tint. On top of that base color are several stripes. Author Note: The latter part of their scientific name, tetrazona, refers to the four vertical stripes that cover the body.

Other barbs have five or six stripes, but only the Barbus tetrazona has four. These bands are chunky and cover several key areas.

One goes through the eye, another extends from the black dorsal fin, and the final stripe marks the base of the caudal fin! Another signature detail is the vibrant red or orange fins. The dorsal, anal, caudal fins have red edging. Meanwhile, the pectoral and pelvic fins are usually all red for a nice accent. You might encounter some different color morphs. Created through selective breeding, these variants are much rarer. Those morphs include albino, black, red, and green.

Typically females are larger and heavier. They have a broader shape and a rounder belly. Males are a smidge smaller. The males also develop a red snout when spawning. The maximum Tiger Barb size is around three inches in length. Some smaller specimens may only reach about two and a half inches long. If you want to influence their size and help them grow as large as possible, there are two things you need to do. The first is to buy them from reputable and experienced sellers or breeders.

Good breeding practices will increase the chance of you getting a Tiger Barb that is healthy and ready to grow! The other way to try and maximize their size is by simply providing them with great care. A suitable tank size, optimal habitat, and a healthy diet go a long way. In general, these fish are relatively hardy and can adapt to simple setups as long as you cover the basics.

Despite their small size and beautiful looks, their strong personalities can be a handful! The minimum tank size for a small group of Tiger Barbs should be at least 20 gallons.

However, we recommend going with a gallon tank if you can. As we mentioned earlier, these fish are avid swimmers. The more room they have, the better. Plus, ample room to swim may help stave off aggressive behavior.

Just something to think about! In the wild, you can find Tiger Barbs inhabiting lakes, streams, and swamps that are lined with trees. Thanks to the decaying plant matter in the water, conditions tend to be more acidic. For the best results, you need to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.

That includes getting the water conditions just right. Luckily, the Tiger Barb can tolerate a generous range of conditions. As long as you stick within the following ranges, your fish should have no problem staying healthy. To ensure that the aquarium has the proper water parameters you should invest in a reliable and accurate test kit.

The breeding tank should have soft, acidic water, fine-leaved plants, and a bare bottom. Some breeders use marbles or a spawning grid on the bottom, which allows the eggs to drop safely out of the parents' grasp. Keep in mind that if the bottom is bare, it is particularly critical to observe closely, moving the parents immediately after spawning and before they can consume their eggs. Spawning will usually take place in the morning.

If the breeding pair does not spawn within a day or two, a partial water change with water that is a degree or two warmer than the tank will usually trigger spawning. If more intervention is still necessary, lower the tank level by an inch, then use a watering can sprinkler to add the colder make-up water to the tank.

The sprinkling vibrations mimic the conditions of the natural rainy season sending more of the appropriate cues that it is time to spawn. The female will lay about transparent- to yellowish-colored eggs, which the male will immediately fertilize.

As soon as the eggs have been fertilized, the breeding pair should be removed. The eggs will hatch in approximately 36 hours, and the fry will be free-swimming after five days. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake food. Barbs are small, colorful, and active, so a school of them is ideal for the freshwater community aquarium.

If tiger barbs appeal to you, and you are interested in some compatible fish for your aquarium, read up on:. Check out additional fish species profiles for more information on other freshwater fish.

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance.

Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Barbs are egg layers and extra effort will be required to separate the adults from the eggs after spawning as many barbs will eat their own eggs. Barbs tend to spawn in groups. Males typically entice females into thick plant growth, where eggs are deposited and fertilized, and hatch in a few days.

Color In Motion Barbs are active, colorful schooling fish in the family Cyprinidae. Water Requirements for Barbs While many barbs are found in soft, acidic water in the wild, the majority of aquarium species sold today are raised commercially in water that often has a higher pH and alkalinity than their native environments. Housing Requirements for Barbs Small species like cherry and gold barbs can be kept in 10 to 20 gallon aquariums.

What Do Barbs Eat? Barbs Breeding Level - Intermediate Barbs can be bred in captivity, but some extra care is required to raise fry to adults. Download PDF. Care Guide.