How long do Tiger Barbs live?
Tiger Barbs live about 5-7 years with good care. Their toughness makes them a long-term resident once water and schooling are right.
What do Tiger Barbs eat?
They are omnivores that take flake, pellets, and frozen/live foods like bloodworms and daphnia. Overfeeding is the main diet mistake; feed what is finished in two to three minutes, once or twice daily.
Tank size and water parameters
A 20-30 gallon (75-115 L) tank suits a school of 8-10. Target 74-82°F (23-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, moderate hardness, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 30 ppm. Keep in groups of 6+ (8-10 ideal); the green tiger barb is a color morph with the same care.
Common mistakes with Tiger Barbs
The big one is a too-small group, which triggers fin-nipping of angelfish, guppies and bettas. Other errors: housing them with slow, long-finned or timid fish; and overfeeding a hardy species that will eat anything.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Keeping a small group — under 6-8 they nip the fins of tank mates relentlessly.
- Pairing with long-finned fish (angelfish, bettas, guppies) they will harass.
- Overfeeding — tiger barbs are unfussy and easily overfed.
- Cramped tanks — they are active and need room to school.