Q&A for How to Keep Tiger Barbs

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How long should fish stay in a bag?

Craig Morton
Fish & Aquarium Specialist
Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance.

Craig Morton

Fish & Aquarium Specialist

Expert Answer

Acclimation time varies depending on the temperature difference between bagged water and aquarium water temperature. Generally 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient, and please do not ever put bag water into your aquarium.

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Question

My fish was swimming nose down, it looked like it might be ill, then it was completely normal the next day. What's the problem?

Community Answer

Tiger barbs are in a nose down position while resting. It is a popular misconception that fish do not sleep.

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Question

Is it normal for two tiger barbs to fight while the rest stay out of the way?

Community Answer

Yes. The two males are doing it to become the leader of the school.

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Question

Why do the tiger barbs hide frequently?

Community Answer

They need to be in a group of 5 or more, since they're a schooling species. They don't feel safe when they're alone.

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Question

What kind of fish can live with my tiger barbs?

Community Answer

1. Fish around the same size or slightly larger (firemouths, bristlenose plecos, red tailed sharks, etc.). 2. Very active fish (danios, swordtails, larger tetras) that would probably also do well in shoals.

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Question

Why do my tiger barbs all of a sudden look like they are swimming toward the top of tank and moving their mouths steadily as if they want food?

Community Answer

Your fish do not have enough oxygen. They are suffocating and you need to provide a filter, air stone, or bubbler immediately to introduce oxygen into the tank.

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Question

Can I keep two tiger barbs in a tank?

Community Answer

No. Speaking from experience, keeping only two fish never works out. You should keep at least six.

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Question

How long do tiger barbs live for?

Community Answer

A tiger barb has an average lifespan of about 5 years if cared for properly.

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Question

Can I keep tiger barbs with goldfish?

Community Answer

No, you shouldn't keep tiger barbs with goldfish. Tiger barbs are aggressive and will stress out or injure goldfish.

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Question

Can you tell me why a betta and tiger barb should not be kept together?

Community Answer

Tiger barbs are nippy fish - especially the moss-green ones. They will keep nipping the betta's fins.

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Question

Why do my fish change color?

Community Answer

If male tiger barbs change color, they become more red in the fins and mouth area and it means they are sparing with other males to establish tank dominance to breed with the females. The fish looks better in darker colors and with fins at full display. The lady tiger barbs like winners, not losers.

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Question

Can we keep a barb family in 70 liter tank?

Community Answer

Yes, different kinds of barbs can be kept together. Your tank is large enough to sustain several schools.

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Question

Do I have to have an air supply for Tiger Barbs?

Community Answer

As with any fish, you should have a fresh supply of air coming into the tank to keep the water oxygenated.

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Question

Why is it not a good idea to keep angel fish with tiger barbs?

Community Answer

It is not a good idea because angel fish have a long fin and the tiger barb like to nip the fins. If the fins are overly damaged, it can cause the angel fish to not swim right and this could be detrimental to their health.

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Question

How can I identify the gender of tiger barbs?

Community Answer

The females are usually bigger than the males. Also, the male may develop a red coloration on its nose.

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Question

What colorful fish can be added to a tank with tiger barbs?

Community Answer

Some colorful fish that work well with tiger barbs are platys and cherry barbs, but male cherry barbs have brighter colors than females.

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Question

How often do I feed the tiger barb?

Community Answer

Feeding tiger barbs two to three times daily is recommended. This feeding schedule will work for most types of fish.

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Question

Can I put several tiger barbs in the same tank with a rainbow shark?

Community Answer

Yes, but a 50 gallon tank is the bare minimum for those fish. You could keep an estimated number of 10 tiger barbs with that size. Keep in mind though, the tiger barbs could be nippy towards the rainbow shark.

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Question

Can I use air bubbles instead of plants?

Community Answer

It is better to use both.Tiger barbs normally prefer plants in their habitat, but at the same time air bubbles oxidize the water and is necessary.

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Question

I recently bought two green tiger barbs. One kept nipping the other barb and now has some of its tail missing. I want to get more after reading in this article that they do better do better in schools of 6. How many should I get for a 20-gallon tank?

Community Answer

A good rule of thumb is an inch of fish per gallon. A tiger barb's max size is three inches, so six or seven fish should be a good number for a 20-gallon tank. Remember that they are a schooling fish and need room to swim.

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Question

Will a tiger barb grow its fin back?

Community Answer

Yes, with time, and if the nipping has stopped, the fin will grow back. Keep an eye out for signs of infection.

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Question

What causes the tank water to be cloudy?

Community Answer

If you feed your fish the normal fish food, it tends to dissolve in the water and makes water cloudy if fish do not eat the food. Try installing a filter, or remove excess food from tank.

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Question

Can I have three tiger barbs, or does it have to be six or more?

Community Answer

You don't have to have six, but the more you have, the less aggressive they will be to others.

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Question

I have a blue lobster. Will the tiger barbs be safe in the same tank with it?

Community Answer

If your tiger barbs seem to be staying toward the top of the tank, probably. If you have any fish that tend to swim near the middle or bottom of the tank, the lobster may grab them.

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Question

Can I keep tiger barbs with one milky white koi?

Community Answer

You could try it, or ask your local pet shop experts to find out more information so that you can make an informed decision.

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Question

Is it okay to have two tiger barbs in a bowl?

Community Answer

Please don't keep any fish in bowls, there is hardly any space. Tiger barbs are schooling fish, and need to be in groups of 5 or more.

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Question

Can a tiger barb survive in a tank less than 15 gallons?

Community Answer

Yes, you can keep a group of five or less in a well filtered (a nice 10-20 gal hang-on-back) 10 gallon tank. Just remember, 30% water changes every week, and I suggest Cory Cats as a tank companion. Look them up, they're my personal favorite for micro tanks, but I have ~20 in my 55 gal.

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Question

My tiger barbs are not eating. What can I do?

Terry Shelton

Community Answer

If you have only had them for a short while and the water conditions are right, they should start eating.

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Question

I have two tiger barbs in a jar with two black angels. Will they harm the angels? As my jar is small, I can't put more fish in there.

Community Answer

A jar is way too small to keep any fish in, period. You need to move them to an adequate sized tank. Tiger barbs are not compatible with angelfish, either. They will fight them.

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Question

Can I keep 4 tiger barbs together?

Community Answer

Yes.

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