Albino Tiger Barb Care Guide
The albino tiger barb is a selectively bred form of Puntigrus tetrazona, an active shoaling cyprinid prone to fin-nipping.
Overview
The albino tiger barb is a selectively bred form of Puntigrus tetrazona, described by Bleeker in 1855. Wikipedia notes that albino and gold forms result from recessive albino and xanthic genes. The wild form displays a silver to brownish-yellow body with four vertical black stripes and red fins. Care matches that of the wild form.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Puntigrus
- Scientific name: Puntigrus tetrazona var. Albino
- Described by: Bleeker, 1855 (parent species)
Habitat
Wikipedia records the wild species as native to southeastern Sumatra, Indonesia, across the Kampar, Siak, Indragiri, Batanghari, Musi, Tulangbawang and Way Sekampung basins, with introductions elsewhere in Asia. It inhabits clear or turbid shallow waters in moderately flowing streams.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
Wikipedia reports preferred conditions of pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 5-19 dGH and temperatures of about 25-27.8 °C, with an average lifespan of around 7 years.
Diet
Wikipedia describes the species as omnivorous and a relatively greedy feeder, accepting flakes, crisps and live foods. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet is offered around twice daily.
Compatibility
Wikipedia notes that tiger barbs are active shoaling fish best kept in groups of six or more; in numbers below five they are often aggressive and are known fin-nippers. They should not be combined with slow, peaceful or long-finned species, and pair well with fast-moving fish such as danios and catfish.
Breeding
Wikipedia reports the species is an egg-scatterer that reaches maturity at 2-3 cm. Spawning occurs in the early morning in clumps of plants, with an average of around 300 adhesive, negatively buoyant eggs per spawn; parents will consume unfertilised eggs afterwards.