Green Tiger Barb (1.5”)

Scientific Name

Puntigrus tetrazona (Green morph of the Tiger Barb)

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Typically grows to about 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: Around 5–7 years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group, but 20+ gallons is better to reduce aggression and allow for schooling.

• Water Changes: Weekly 25–30% water changes help maintain water quality.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5
    

• Care Level: Moderate – active fish that require clean, well-oxygenated water and plenty of swimming space.

Tankmates

• Best kept in groups of at least 6–8 to reduce fin-nipping behavior.

• Suitable companions: Other semi-aggressive or fast-moving species like danios, dwarf cichlids, loaches, larger tetras, rainbowfish, and some medium-sized barbs. Small to medium sized catfish and plecos

• Avoid: Long-finned or slow fish such as  bettas, and fancy guppies.

Diet

• Omnivorous – enjoys a variety of foods.

• Accepts: High-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.

• Favorites: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, and blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach).

• Feeding: Offer small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Overview

The Green Tiger Barb is a selectively bred color variation of the Tiger Barb, known for its metallic green to emerald body and dark vertical stripes. They are active, playful, but slightly nippy fish that thrive in well-planted aquariums with open swimming spaces. They do best in schooling groups, which helps balance out their boisterous energy and reduces aggression toward tankmates.

Natural Environment

In the wild, Puntigrus tetrazona is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo, Sumatra, and parts of the Malay Peninsula. They inhabit slow-moving streams, rivers, and swampy areas with dense vegetation and soft, slightly acidic water. Their green morph, however, is a captive-bred variety not found in nature.

Breeding

• Egg scatterers – no parental care, and they often eat their own eggs.

• Breeding Setup: Use a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. Slightly acidic, soft water is ideal (pH ~6.5, temp ~77–79°F).

• Spawning: A well-conditioned pair or group will scatter hundreds of adhesive eggs among plants.

• Fry Care: Remove adults after spawning. Eggs hatch in ~36 hours, and fry become free-swimming within 5 days. Feed infusoria or liquid fry food, then transition to baby brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes.