Puntius tetrazona (Tiger Barb)

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Puntius tetrazona, commonly known as Tiger Barb, is an Asian freshwater species found in Sumatra and Borneo, in still and slow-moving rivers. 

PH: 6.5 – 7.5

Temperature: 20°C – 25C (68 – 77F)

Hardness: 3 – 10 dH

Description: Puntius tetrazona can reach a maximum length of around 8 cm.  It is a high-backed, barbel-less species.  Its back is brown to orange and the belly is white to silver in colour.  It has four bands across its body: one running through the eye and the last running along the bottom of the light-orange, transparent caudal fin.  Other fins, except for the black dorsal fin, are transparent with a tinge of orange.    

Diet: This omnivore eats anything you give it; flakes, vegetable foods, insect larvae, brine shrimp, Tubifex worms and insects are all good options.

Breeding: Feed Puntius tetrazona on live foods before attempting to spawn them.  This egg-scattering species is easy to breed, but don’t leave the adults alone with the eggs as they will eat them if given the chance; alternatively you could distract the adults by feeding them white worms.  The eggs, which can number 500 – 1000, will hatch in 24 – 30 hours.  Puntius tetrazona will prefer neutral to soft water when breeding.

Comments: You should house a small group of Puntius tetrazona in a 10 gallon tank; larger fish can be kept in a 20 gallon tank.  Provide a sand or gravel substrate for burrowing, along with some smooth rocks and driftwood branches.  It is advised you provide plenty of open areas for swimming. Puntius tetrazona is a sensitive species that requires a moderate level of care.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Puntius tetrazona can be kept with Danios, Gouramis, Doradids, Loricariids and loaches of a peaceful temperament.  Avoid housing this species with fish with long, flowing fins; a large tank will reduce Puntius tetrazona’s aggressiveness.