Green Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona is a hardy, mid-sized barb from the Indo-Pacific region. While these fish have a reputation as horribly aggressive fin nippers, this behaviour is less pronounced when proper numbers are kept (we recommend at least 6-8 individuals of this species). In larger groups, tiger barbs largely keep aggression contained to themselves. While they may not be the best choice of tankmate for long-finned or delicate species such as Angelfish, their speed and durability make them ideal tankmates for semi-aggressive fish such as many cichlids.
These are of the selectively bred Green morph, where the body colour is dominated by dark pine-green instead of having bars. They are currently 2-2.5″ long.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Puntigrus tetrazona |
| Size | 2-2.5 inches |
| Color Morph | Green |
| Aggression Level | Medium to high (best in groups of 6-8) |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific region |
FAQ
What is the recommended group size for Green Tiger Barbs?
We recommend keeping at least 6-8 individuals of Green Tiger Barbs to help contain their aggression.
Are Green Tiger Barbs suitable for tanks with long-finned fish?
No, Green Tiger Barbs are not recommended as tankmates for long-finned or delicate species such as Angelfish due to their fin-nipping tendencies.
What is the typical body color of the Green morph?
The body color is dominated by dark pine-green, with no visible bars.
Megan Coleman –
I kept 8 Green Tiger Barbs in a 55-gallon tank with several cichlids. They were active and colorful, and the aggression was manageable. The green color is striking and they seem to enjoy the group setting.
Rachel White –
The fish grow to about 2.5 inches and look great in a community tank. I had to avoid keeping them with any long-finned species, but they’re a great match for cichlids and other active fish.
Nicola Newman –
They are more active than other barbs and do nip at the fins of slower fish. I now keep them in a group of 7 and have noticed less aggression than expected.