Sumatra barb

The tiger barb, also known as the Sumatra barb, is an energetic and popular cyprinid endemic to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, with records from Borneo that may correspond to closely related congeners. Its bold pattern of four prominent black vertical bars against an orange-gold body, accented with red-tipped fins in well-conditioned specimens, makes it instantly recognisable. Adults reach 7 cm (3 inches) and can live for 6 years with proper care. Introduced populations now exist in Singapore, Australia, the United States, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.

Tiger barbs have a well-earned reputation as notorious fin-nippers, particularly toward slow-moving or long-finned fish such as angelfish, gouramis, fancy guppies, and bettas. This behaviour is largely a manifestation of their tightly-coordinated schooling instinct — individuals kept in insufficient numbers (fewer than 6) become stressed and redirect their aggression toward tankmates. A group of 8-10 or more in a spacious tank (at least 72 litres) will exhibit tight shoaling behaviour with most aggression directed within the school rather than at other species, making them manageable in a community of similarly robust, fast-moving fish. The aquarium should include areas of dense planting, open swimming space, and moderate water movement. They are accomplished jumpers and a tight-fitting cover is recommended.

Water parameters: 20-26°C, pH 5.0-8.0, with soft to moderately hard water. The diet is omnivorous: high-quality flakes and granules supplemented with live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, Artemia, and blanched vegetables. Including some plant-based foods supports optimal health and colour. Tiger barbs are prolific egg-scatterers and can be bred in captivity with relative ease given soft, acidic water and fine-leaved spawning mops. Their vibrant activity, striking colouration, and engaging shoaling dynamics make them a rewarding species for the aquarist who can meet their social and swimming space requirements.