If there was
a dictionary for fish terms the words Tiger and Barb would
appear right next to fin and nipper. These fish are notorious
for taking bite size bits out of the fins on smaller fish and
each other. They are very attractive fish and popular because
of their fast swimming and restless behavior. The base color
will be gold or orange. There will be dark black vertical stripes
along the sides and one covering the eye. The nose and the
tips of all fins except the pectorals will be red. The caudal
fin will be somewhat clear. The dorsal will be black with a
red outline. They will often swim with their heads at a downward
angle. There are two other color combinations available. Green
Tiger Barb, and Albino Tiger Barb. The Green variety has similar
markings and colors but will add a green body. The Albino will
look exactly the same except the stripes will be white and
the body will be pale yellow or pale gold.
These fish are extremely fast and will need plenty of space to
frolic. Make sure they have it. Plants and rocks should be provided
for hiding if needed. Care is quite simple with these fish, they're
pretty forgiving. Avoiding any extremes in water quality should
provide a perfect habitat for these fast fish. Keep them in groups
as they prefer to pick on each other. Keeping a single specimen
will mean the other fish will become targets instead. Do not
keep with larger fish.
Food typical tropical flakes, pellets, frozen, or small live
foods.
Sexing is difficult but possible. The male will usually be
smaller and more colorful.
Barbs will lay about 200 eggs and the free swimming fry should
appear in about 1 week. Little else is know about their breeding
habits and they don't breed that often in home aquariums. |
