October and Fall are o-fish-aly here and at Centreville Aquarium we’re celebrating an incredible fish, the Tiger Barb. Puntigris Tetrazona, also known as the Tiger or Sumatra Barb, are one of the most popular members of the extensive Barb family. Originating throughout Indonesia, Tiger Barbs are a hardy fish. While they can also be found in other areas in Asia, it’s difficult to tell what the species natural habitat is vs locations they’ve been introduced to. Tiger Barbs have been in the aquarium hobby for over thirty years. In that time, they’ve been selectively bred to bring out their best traits and even a few variants such as the Albino, Platinum, and Green Tiger Barbs.
Tiger Barbs are well known for the black stripes that inspire their name, their red tip fins, and the incredible energy they add to any tank. Growing to a maximum size of 3-4 inches, Tiger Barbs often seem like the perfect beginner fish. The cool pattern and energetic personality, as well as how affordable they are make them hard to resist for the new fish keeper but there is one thing to keep in mind. Tiger Barbs are notorious fin nippers when not kept in a proper school. That is why here, at Centreville Aquarium, we encourage new fish keepers to purchase Tiger Barbs in a good school of 5 or more to minimize aggression towards other fish.
Beyond the nipping Tiger Barbs are the perfect starter fish. Very hardy and easy to care for, Tiger Barbs are easily housed with fish like Silver Dollar, Giant Danio, large bodied Gourami, various Sharks and many types of Catfish. With an Aqueon Aquarium kit, some Estes gravel, and a fun decoration or two, Tiger Barbs will b a great addition to any household!
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