What size tank do tiger barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Puntigrus tetrazona.
How many tiger barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if tiger barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many tiger barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 9 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 13 |
| 55 gallon | up to 18 |
| 75 gallon | up to 24 |
| 125 gallon | up to 40 |
Check tiger barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep eight or more so they chase each other, not tankmates.
- Keep at least 8. Alone or in twos and threes, tiger barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- It nips fins. Avoid slow tankmates with long, flowing fins.
Tank mates for tiger barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Bolivian ram
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
Poor matches
- Betta: Tiger barb nips fins and betta has long fins. Avoid this pair.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat tiger barb (about 2.8 in).
- Molly: They need different water: Tiger barb likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Can tiger barbs live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- neon tetras
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- dwarf gouramis
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank do tiger barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many tiger barbs should be kept together?
At least 8. Tiger barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can tiger barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Tiger barb needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do tiger barbs need?
70–81 °F (21–27 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can tiger barbs live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Tiger barb nips fins and betta has long fins. Avoid this pair.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.