Page 85 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CYPRINIDS/BARBS 83

Pethia ticto Puntigrus tetrazona
Tic-Tac-Toe Barb Tiger Barb No black
pigmentation
ORIGINS Asia, occurring from southern India to the ORIGINS Asia, in Sumatra and elsewhere in Indonesia;
Himalayas; also in Sri Lanka. also in Borneo and possibly Thailand.
3
SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 2 ⁄4 in (7 cm).
DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 57–79°F (14–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); soft
(100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and slightly acidic (pH 6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Social, sometimes aggressive. Banding absent
The more colorful male Tic-Tac-Toe usually has The dark banding of these barbs may vary between Red Tiger Barb (above) Tiger Barbs are available
black markings on its dorsal fin, which are missing individuals, while the red areas on the body are in several color variants. This form has a reddish
in the female. Keep these fish in cool water for a usually brighter in males. These barbs are best kept appearance, with no dark markings or banding.
time, to mimic winter conditions in the wild. A in large groups to lessen the risk of bullying. Tiger
gradual increase in temperature triggers spawning Barbs are active by nature and need adequate open Red markings
behavior. Place two males in a spawning tank swimming areas in their tank. Their breeding on the fins
with a single female. The Odessa Barb is a variant requirements are similar to those of related
of this species created by breeders in Moscow. species. When purchasing stock,
check carefully for any signs of
white spot (see p.58), to which
Bronze body
Tiger Barbs are especially
vulnerable.

Green Tiger Barb
The extensive, greenish-
black coloration has led to
Black spots Male this variant also being called
the Moss-Banded Barb. Male

FIN-NIPPING BEHAVIOR

Although barbs are generally placid, certain The reason for this fin-nipping behavior is
species can be troublesome because they nip at unclear. Unfortunately, there is little that can
the fins of other fish sharing their tank. This be done to prevent it, so take great care when
applies especially to Tiger Barbs (see above, choosing tankmates for Tiger Barbs and other
right). Fish with trailing fins are most at risk, fin-nippers. Minor fin damage usually heals
including young angelfish (Pterophyllum species) over the course of several weeks, but repeated
and various gouramis, as well as male Siamese assaults and constant harassment by a group
Fighting Fish (Betta splendens). Long-finned of Tiger Barbs can prove fatal. Tiger Barbs will
variants of other species, such as danios and even occasionally show aggression toward each
guppies, are also vulnerable to being harried in other, to reinforce the order of dominance
this way. The picture shows a Tiger Barb nipping within a shoal. Any Tiger Barbs added later
the caudal fin of a Yellow Veiltail Guppy. to an existing group are likely to be bullied.

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