Longfin Tiger Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

Variety of Tiger Barb · longfin

📍 Southeast Asia

The Longfin Tiger Barb is a fin-type variant with flowing, extended fins. The dramatic fins require extra care around known fin-nippers; ironically, longfin tiger barbs themselves still exhibit fin-nipping behavior and must be kept in groups.

Size3"

Min Tank20g

School6+

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Longfin Tiger 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

These active, schooling fish are energetic and playful but retain the fin-nipping behavior typical of tiger barbs, making them aggressive toward slow-moving or long-finned fish despite their own elaborate fins. They must be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to distribute aggression and establish a stable hierarchy. They are most active during dawn and dusk, constantly exploring and interacting with tank mates.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but moderately difficult and rarely achieved in community tanks. They are egg-scatterers that require soft, acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), temperatures around 26-28°C, and dense vegetation or spawning mops to protect eggs from predation. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro pellets.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that occupy different water zones and are too small to be targeted by barbs

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal algae eater that avoids daytime interaction and is too armored to be harmed by barbs

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, scratching against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, fin shortening over time

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe, ensure adequate spacing to reduce fin-nipping stress

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Redness on body or fins, open sores, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain optimal water parameters and temperature

Parasitic Infections (Velvet, Anchor Worms)

Symptoms

Gold or rust-colored dust on body, excessive scratching, visible worm-like protrusions, clamped fins

Treatment

Treat with copper-based medication or anti-parasitic treatments following label directions, increase aeration, perform frequent water changes, quarantine if possible