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GloFish Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Tiger Barb · GloFish
📍 Captive-bred (hybrid)
GloFish Barbs are fluorescent variants of the Tiger Barb, engineered to display intense fluorescent colors that glow under blue LED or blacklight. They retain the same semi-aggressive, fin-nipping tendencies as Tiger Barbs and should be kept in schools of 6+ to distribute any aggression. Best housed with short-finned, similarly active tankmates.
Care Guide
Diet
GloFish Barbs are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake food or small pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding degrades water quality.
Behavior
GloFish Barbs are active, schooling fish that display semi-aggressive behavior, particularly fin-nipping tendencies toward slow-moving or long-finned tankmates. They are most peaceful when kept in schools of 6 or more, as this distributes aggression among group members. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, making them visually striking under blue LED lighting.
Breeding
Breeding GloFish Barbs in captivity is difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require specific conditioning, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and dense vegetation or spawning mops to scatter eggs. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Tank Mates
Similar size, activity level, and water requirements; both thrive under blue LED lighting
Comparable temperament and energy; both are active schooling fish that do well together
Small, peaceful schooling fish; may be nipped occasionally but generally compatible in larger groups
Nocturnal algae eater that avoids conflict; provides tank maintenance without competing for space
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce aggression by increasing school size, use antibacterial medication if severe
Bacterial Infection
Red streaks on body, swollen belly, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes
Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment if condition worsens
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, clamped fins, weight loss, visible parasites on gills
Quarantine affected fish, treat with anti-parasitic medication, maintain elevated temperature and perform frequent water changes
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Varieties
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Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 73–79°F (23–26°C)