19 Compatible Tiger Barb Tank Mates

Tiger barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona) are active, speedy fish famous for their aggressive natures.

Aquarists must be cautious when keeping them in a community tank, or they may cause injury or stress.

Despite their nippy tendencies, tiger barbs are a lot of fun to keep in an aquarium. Their bright, striped bodies add a shimmering effect to any tank.

They are fast critters, like Danios, meaning that watching them never gets boring.

Tiger barbs are incredibly hardy fish, handling various temperatures and pH levels. They are a good option for beginners who know which tank mates to place them with.

Tiger barbs can’t live with many slow or peaceful fish since they are aggressive.

Aquarists must simply prepare to keep tiger barbs with compatible fish. That means fish that are large and feisty enough to stick up for themselves against the barbs.

Some of these compatible tank mates include:

• Severums
• Rosy barbs
• Swordtails

Some peaceful fish do okay with tiger barbs as long as they stay out of their way.

Some of these compatible tank mates include:

• Silver dollars
• Kuhli loaches
• Corydoras catfish

* TIP

It is okay to mix different kinds of tiger barbs. They aren’t picky about color and are happy to school with tiger barbs of any kind.

The most common types of tiger barbs include the following:

• Traditional tiger barbs

• Green tiger barbs

• Long-fin tiger barbs

• Albino tiger barbs

• GloFish tiger barbs *

See the list below for more species that work well with tiger barbs. We’ve included 22 of the most popular species.

1. Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm)

Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 72-80°F (22.2-26.7°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0

Swimming Level: Bottom to Middle

Temperament: Peaceful — may display some nippiness

Cherry barbs can be somewhat nippy, though they are nowhere near as aggressive as tiger barbs. Their less feisty nature balances out the tiger barbs’ more aggressive nature.

These barbs are famous for their vivid red coloration that extends over the body and fins. The females are less colorful, though they still have a lovely reddish hue.

Like tiger barbs, keep cherry barbs in schools of no fewer than five individuals. The larger the group, the better they are likely to get along.

Choose more females than males: about one male for every two females. The males tend to have brighter coloration when there are more females around.

2. Rosy Barb (Puntius conchonius)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: Up to 6 in (15.2 cm)

Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 64-79°F (17.8-26.1°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-7.0

Swimming Level: Middle

Temperament: Peaceful — may display some nippiness

Rosy red barbs are less vivid than cherry barbs. Instead of being a deep red color, they tend to be more orangish with a slight silvery shimmer.

Like their relatives, rosy barbs are highly active fish. Unlike tiger barbs, rosy barbs are peaceful fish that get along with many other species.

They grow much larger than tiger barbs and can handle their own against any nippiness.

Keep rosy barbs in groups of at least five; the more, the better.

3. Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus Schwanenfeldii)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Moderate

Size: Up to 14 in (35.6 cm)

Aquarium Size: 150+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 75-85°F (23.9-29.4°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-7.5

Swimming Level: All levels

Temperament: Peaceful

Tinfoil barbs grow significantly bigger than tiger barbs. They are not bothered by the tiger barbs’ nippiness.

Tinfoil barbs are peaceful fish despite their size.

Be forewarned that they are opportunistic and eat fish that can fit in their mouths.

Tinfoil barbs grow to over one foot long and have flashy colors. Their bodies are a shimmering silver, while their fins are bright orangish-red.

Tinfoil barbs are exceptionally easy to care for because they are hardy. They can withstand fluctuations better than other species. They also live in a wide range of temperatures and pH levels.

Keep these schooling fish in groups of at least five; the more, the better.

4. Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Moderate

Size: 3 in (7.6 cm)

Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 70-79°F (21.1-26.1°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-7.0

Swimming Level: Middle

Temperament: Peaceful — displays some nippiness

The Odessa barb’s unique coloring makes it popular amongst aquarists. The base color of its body is a dark brown to black, with shimmering metallic silver covering the scales.

A thick reddish-orange bar runs from its head down to its tail. A smaller black line runs about a third down its body.

Bright red, orange, and yellow often appear in spots along the body and on the fins.

Odessa barbs are active little fish almost entirely peaceful except for some nipping.

Keep them in schools of five or more individuals.

5. Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)

Compatibility Rank: 9/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 2.5 in (6.4 cm)

Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 72-79°F (22.2-26.1°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-6.5

Swimming Level: Middle

Temperament: Peaceful — displays some nippiness

Black ruby barbs get their name because their bodies and fins are primarily black. Some shimmering silver and light orangish-red breaks up the blackness.

Black ruby barbs are peaceful fish. They get along well with many species, including the tiger barb.

They are schooling fish; keep them in groups of at least five.

6. Mollies (Poecilia Spp.)

Compatibility Rank: 8/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 2-8 in — varies by species

Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 70-78°F (21.1-25.6°C)

pH Requirements: 7.0-8.5

Swimming Level: Middle to Top

Temperament: Peaceful

Mollies are similar in size to tiger barbs — some are even bigger. Although they are peaceful, they aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves against tiger barbs.

Mollies come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, which makes them a unique addition.

These fish are active and enjoy swimming around the tank.

They display shoaling behavior, though they aren’t schooling fish. Their swimming patterns are different from the tiger barbs, which are schooling fish. The difference in behavior can help the tiger barbs stand out.

7. Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Compatibility Rank: 8/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 2-3 in (5-7 cm)

Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 70-82°F (21-28°C)

pH Requirements: 6.8-8.5

Swimming Level: Middle to Top

Temperament: Peaceful

Platies resemble mollies, though their bodies are shorter and stockier. They tend to come in more vivid colors than mollies with a wider variety of patterns.

Like mollies, platies are peaceful fish that get along with many species. They can handle any nippiness that tiger barbs may throw at them.

*TIP

Mollies, platies, and swordtails are livebearers. They give birth to live young rather than lay eggs.

Only keep one gender to avoid babies.

Move pregnant females to a separate tank to give birth; otherwise, tiger barbs are likely to eat the fry. *

8. Swordtails (Xiphophorus Hellerii)

Compatibility Rank: 7/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: Up to 6 in (15.2 cm)

Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 64-82 °F (17.8-27.8°CF)

pH Requirements: 7.0-8.0

Swimming Level: Middle to top

Temperament: Peaceful

Swordtails have long bodies like mollies, though they come in different colors. They grow to almost twice the size of tiger barbs, meaning they can handle bullying.

We recommend only keeping female swordtails with barbs.

Swordtails get their names because the males have long, thin tail fins that resemble a sword. Barbs, especially tiger barbs, are likely to nip and damage these.

Fortunately, female swordtails don’t have these long tails.

9. Bristlenose Pleco ​​(Ancistrus cirrhosus)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Moderate

Size: 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm)

Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 60-80°F (16-27°C)

pH Requirements: 6.5-7.5

Swimming Level: Bottom

Temperament: Peaceful

Unlike common plecos, bristlenose plecos stay on the smaller side. Their smaller size makes them better suited to living with tiger barbs.

Bristlenose plecos come in many shapes and colors, like albino, super red, or calico. Some have spots or long fins.

Armored scales cover their bodies and keep them safe from aggressive tiger barbs. They also tend to stick to the bottom of the tank; tiger barbs are unlikely to bother them.

Bristlenose plecos are hardy fish that can handle a wide range of temperatures and pH levels.

10. Clown Pleco (Panaque maccus)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Moderate

Size: Up to 4 in (10.2 cm)

Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 73-82°F (22.8-27.8°C)

pH Requirements: 6.8-7.6

Swimming Level: Bottom

Temperament: Peaceful

Clown plecos stay on the smaller side, like bristlenose plecos.

Their bodies are covered in black and yellowish-white stripes. The stripes are not uniform and vary in shape and color depending on genetics.

Like bristlenose plecos, clown plecos have armored scales for protection. They tend to stay near the bottom of the tank, though their scales keep them safe from bullying.

11. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras sp.)

Compatibility Rank: 9/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 1-5 in (2.5-12.7 cm)

Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 70-80°F (21-27°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0

Swimming Level: Bottom

Temperament: Peaceful

Corydoras catfish are some of the most peaceful fish available for aquariums.

They don’t stand up for themselves well, though they are bottom-dwellers. The tiger barbs are likely to leave them alone.

These small catfish are schooling critters. They feel safest in groups and display more activity in numbers.

Cory cats come in many patterns and colors. There are emerald, panda, bronze, and albino Corys, among others.

Corydoras are happy to hang out with other Corys with different colors and patterns. Aquarists can mix and match the different colors and patterns.

12. Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm)

Aquarium Size: 75+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 75-84°F (23.9-28.9°C)

pH Requirements: 5.0-8.0

Swimming Level: Bottom

Temperament: Peaceful; Schooling

Clown loaches can grow up to a foot long, though they are peaceful and won’t bother the tiger barbs.

They are active fish that enjoy zipping around the tank.

Their bodies have alternating black and yellow stripes with red fins that help them to stand out.

Clown loaches mostly stay at the bottom of the tank, meaning the tiger barbs are unlikely to bother them.

They are most comfortable in schools of at least five fish.

13. Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii)

Compatibility Rank: 9/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm)

Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 74-80°F (23.3-26.7°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-6.5

Swimming Level: Bottom

Temperament: Peaceful

Kuhli loaches are incredibly peaceful schooling fish. They dwell at the bottom of the tank and spend most of their time hiding.

They are most active at night when the tiger barbs are resting. The aggressive tank mates shouldn’t bother them.

Keep kuhli loaches in schools of at least five so they feel most comfortable and become more active.

14. Tetras

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: Varies by species

Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: Varies by species

pH Requirements: Varies by species

Swimming Level: Middle to top

Temperament: Mostly peaceful — some nippiness

Most tetras are good with tiger barbs because they are similar in size and temperament. While tetras are mostly peaceful, they tend to be nippy, like barbs.

Tetras are unlikely to attack the tiger barbs. They can easily defend themselves if the barbs get too aggressive.

Tetras are schooling fish. They look beautiful in large numbers and easily complement tiger barbs.

We recommend avoiding smaller, exceptionally peaceful species, like neon and ember tetras. They are more likely to experience bullying and injury by the tiger barbs. They are also less likely to defend themselves.

15. Red-Tailed Shark (Epalzeorhynchos Bicolor)

Compatibility Rank: 8/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: Up to 6 in (15.2 cm)

Aquarium Size: 55+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 72-79°F (22.2-26.1°C)

pH Requirements: 6.8-7.5

Swimming Level: Bottom

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Red-tail sharks get their name from their vivid red tails. These bright tails contrast nicely against their black bodies.

Red-tail sharks are a staple in any aquarium due to their color, size, and high activity levels.

These fish are highly aggressive to members of their species; only keep one per tank.

They are mostly friendly toward other species in the aquarium. They prefer to leave them alone if they don’t come into the shark’s territory.

Avoid keeping red-tail sharks with other bottom-dwellers.

16. Silver Dollar (Characidae Family)

Compatibility Rank: 9/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm)

Aquarium Size: 55+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 75-82°F (23.9-27.8°C)

pH Requirements: 5.0-7.0

Swimming Level: Middle to Top

Temperament: Peaceful

Silver dollars are hardy fish that can handle various water parameters.

They grow quite large, meaning they can stand up for themselves if the tiger barbs harass them.

Silver dollars are one of the most peaceful fish despite their large size.

Keep silver dollars in groups of five or more to keep them happy.

17. Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)

Compatibility Rank: 9/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)

Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 64-75°F (17.8-23.9°C)

pH Requirements: 7.0-7.8

Swimming Level: Middle to Top

Temperament: Mostly peaceful — can be nippy

Zebra danios are small yet feisty fish that tend to nip. While they aren’t likely to antagonize the tiger barbs, they can stand up for themselves if need be.

They are also incredibly fast critters that zip around the tank.

Fights are rare since zebra danios can easily outswim tiger barbs.

18. Severum (Heros severus)

Compatibility Rank: 8/10

Care Level: Easy

Size: Up to 8 in (20.3 cm)

Aquarium Size: 40+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 75-80°F (23.9-26.7°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-7.0

Swimming Level: Top

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

Severums are part of the cichlid family, though they are among the most peaceful cichlids.

They are not entirely peaceful. Severums tend to be territorial and can be aggressive in some circumstances. Aggression is still quite uncommon compared to many other kinds of cichlids.

19. Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma spp.)

Compatibility Rank: 9/10

Care Level: Moderate

Size: 2-3.5 in (5.1-8.9 cm)

Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Requirements: 80-82°F (26.7-27.8°C)

pH Requirements: 6.0-7.0

Swimming Level: Bottom to Middle

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

There are over 100 kinds of Apistogrammas ranging in various sizes and colors. Besides their brilliant colors, they have long, striking fins.

Apistogrammas are another type of cichlid that is mostly peaceful. They have feisty enough personalities to deal with tiger barbs.

Like severums, Apistogrammas are territorial and may become aggressive at times.

Give these fish lots of hiding spots, and they are unlikely to bother the other fish.

Here’s What Makes A Good Tiger Barb Tank Mate

Compatible tiger barb tank mates are typically similar in size and personality.

They must be able to live within the same water parameters. They must also be quick enough to get some food before the tiger barbs eat it all.

The Fish’s Temperament

Tiger barbs are one of the most aggressive barb species. They are not the typical peaceful “community” fish.

They can live with other species, though there are some stipulations:

• Tank mates should have similar feisty personalities, though they can’t be TOO feisty.

OR

• They can be peaceful, though large enough to stick up for themselves.

OR

• They can be peaceful, though they must live in a different area of the tank.

Necessary Water Parameters

Other species must be able to handle the same water conditions that tiger barbs need.

Here are the water requirements of tiger barbs:

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrites: 0 ppm
• Nitrates: <40 ppm
• Temperature Requirements: 72-82°F (20-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0

The Fish’s Size

Tiger barbs grow up to 2.5-3 in (6.4-7.6 cm). They need an aquarium of at least 30 gallons for five fish and many decorations.

A 40 to 50-gallon aquarium is necessary when keeping tiger barbs with other species. The larger the tank mate, the larger the aquarium that’s necessary.

Fish should be around the same size as tiger barbs for best results.

Much smaller fish are likely to become a snack or experience harassment.

Larger species are okay as long as they are not overly aggressive.

Food

Tiger barbs are omnivores that are happy to eat almost anything. They are also speedy swimmers that snatch up food.

Keep tiger barbs with other quick omnivores.

Fish that eat the same food but are too slow may starve. The tiger barbs are likely to out-compete them for food.

Try spreading the food throughout the tank. Doing so ensures the tiger barbs and all the other fish can get their fill.

Bottom dwellers work well since they eat bottom-feeder pellets and other similar foods.

Pellets sink to the bottom of the tank, and the tiger barbs are less likely to go after them.

Fish That Are Bad Tank Mates For Tiger Barbs

Do not keep tiger barbs with fish that are very small or large. Highly aggressive fish don’t work, or fish with long fins.

Fish That Are Too Big Or Too Small

Fish that are too small or large don’t work well with tiger barbs.

Small fish tend to face harassment from the aggressive fish. Those small enough to fit in tiger barbs’ mouths are sure to become a tasty snack.

Somewhat large fish, like silver dollars, are okay. Huge fish are not. Avoid fish that are large and aggressive enough to eat the tiger barbs.

Other Aggressive Fish

It’s a bad idea to place tiger barbs with other aggressive fish, as fights are inevitable fights.

Tiger barbs are unlikely to back down from a fight — the other species may be, too.

The fish are likely to experience severe injury or even death.

Fish With Long Fins

Tiger barbs are one of the most aggressive and nippiest barb species. They don’t do well with species with long fins, as they are likely to cause much injury.

Some fish to avoid include the following:

• Guppies
• Betta fish
• Angelfish
• Discus

How To Lessen Tiger Barb Aggression

Tiger barbs are aggressive by nature, though it’s possible to lessen their aggression.

Reducing aggression allows them to live in harmony with other species better.

Introduce Tiger Barbs Last

Add tiger barbs to the tank after all the other species already live there.

Adding tiger barbs to the tank before other fish makes them more aggressive. They’ll be more territorial and less tolerant of other fish encroaching on “their” space.

Add the other, more peaceful species first to get used to the tank and find hiding places.

Add the tiger barbs a few weeks later.

The more passive species can more easily escape the nipping tiger barbs. The tiger barbs are also less likely to be highly territorial.

Provide Plenty Of Space

Tiger barbs are highly active fish that need lots of space. A 30-gallon aquarium is the absolute smallest home five tiger barbs should have.

The more fish living together, the larger the tank needs to be.

The barbs become more aggressive than usual if they feel cramped. The tank should be more than large enough for all the species living there.

Provide Lots Of Decorations

Having lots of decorations breaks up the tiger barbs’ line of sight. The less they can see of the other species, the less likely they are to bully them.

Having decorations allows the tiger barbs to claim their territories more easily. The other fish should eventually learn to stay out of the tiger barbs’ territory.

Keep Tiger Barbs In Schools

Tiger barbs are schooling fish. They feel safest in groups and display more of their active nature when they live in groups.

Never keep tiger barbs in groups of less than five individuals. Even a group of five is often too small.

Keep tiger barbs in groups of 12 or more for the best results.

The larger the school, the less aggressive tiger barbs are likely to be. They are more likely to interact with one another and leave the other species in the tank alone.