Barbs Care Guides
Barbs differ in activity, temperature preference, and fin-nipping behavior. Tiger and Green Tiger Barbs share one care profile; Rosy and Red Glass Barbs share the Rosy Barb profile.
General Care
Keep barbs in groups of at least six, preferably eight to ten or more, in a cycled aquarium with planted shelter and open swimming room. A group helps distribute social pressure, but does not make a known fin-nipper safe with delicate fish. Feed a varied diet in small portions. Most listed barbs scatter eggs and offer no parental care; separate eggs and fry from adults if breeding.
Tank sizes below are planning recommendations for adult care. Aquarium footprint, group size, filtration, and individual behavior can require more space. Use stable conditions within the listed range; avoid sudden changes.
Species and Variety Guides
Tiger and Green Tiger Barbs
- Scientific name / group: Puntigrus tetrazona — standard and green strains
- Adult size: about 2.5–3 inches
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Water hardness: soft to moderate
- Aquarium: 30 gallons or larger with ample swimming length
- Temperament: Active; fin-nipping risk
Aquarium setup: Keep a substantial school with broken sightlines and open swimming space.
Feeding: Small pellets, flakes, plant-based foods, and small frozen invertebrates.
Tank mates: Avoid long-finned gouramis, slow fish, and delicate species; choose robust active companions.
Breeding: Use fine plants or a spawning mop and remove adults after eggs are laid.
Listed fish / animals: Tiger Barb · Green Tiger Barb
Black Ruby Barb
- Scientific name / group: Pethia nigrofasciata
- Adult size: about 2–2.5 inches
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness: soft to moderate
- Aquarium: 30 gallons or larger
- Temperament: Generally peaceful schooling fish
Aquarium setup: Provide plants and some shade; males show their strongest colors when settled.
Feeding: Flakes or small pellets with plant content and small frozen foods.
Tank mates: Peaceful community fish with matching conditions are suitable.
Breeding: Egg scatterer; protect eggs with fine plants or a separate spawning setup.
Listed fish / animals: Black Ruby Barb
Cherry Barb
- Scientific name / group: Puntius titteya
- Adult size: about 2 inches
- Temperature: 73–79°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness: soft to moderate
- Aquarium: 20 gallons or larger
- Temperament: Peaceful; quieter than Tiger Barbs
Aquarium setup: Provide plants and sheltered edges, including room for females to avoid displaying males.
Feeding: Fine flakes or micro-pellets plus daphnia and brine shrimp.
Tank mates: Choose gentle small fish; avoid aggressive fish and very boisterous schools.
Breeding: Fine plants catch scattered eggs. Remove adults and feed very small fry foods after free swimming.
Listed fish / animals: Cherry Barb
Rosy and Red Glass Barbs
- Scientific name / group: Pethia conchonius — including the listed glass variety
- Adult size: about 4 inches; size varies by strain
- Temperature: 68–75°F
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Water hardness: moderate
- Aquarium: 40 gallons or larger with a long swimming area
- Temperament: Active; generally peaceful, with some fin-nipping risk
Aquarium setup: Use a school with plants and swimming room; avoid keeping it permanently at the hot end of tropical conditions.
Feeding: Flakes, small pellets, vegetable foods, and varied frozen foods.
Tank mates: Keep with active fish suited to cooler water. Watch long-finned companions.
Breeding: Egg scatterer; separate eggs from adults. Glass coloration does not justify assuming a tiny adult size.
Listed fish / animals: Red Glass Barb · Rosy Barb
Gold Barb
- Scientific name / group: Barbodes semifasciolatus — gold strain
- Adult size: about 3–4 inches
- Temperature: 68–75°F
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Water hardness: moderate
- Aquarium: 40 gallons or larger; a long swimming area
- Temperament: Active and generally peaceful
Aquarium setup: Keep eight to ten or more with planted borders and open space.
Feeding: Flakes or small pellets with plant material plus daphnia or brine shrimp.
Tank mates: Use robust peaceful fish that prefer similar temperatures.
Breeding: Egg scatterer; a separate planted tank and adult removal improve fry survival.
Listed fish / animals: Gold Barb
Species references and further reading
Ordering & Shipping
Orders must be placed by Sunday night to ship Monday. Check the individual product listing for available sizes, quantities, and shipping and live-arrival terms.