Product Details

Jade Green Tiger Barb – Puntigrus tetrazona

Overview:

The Jade Green Tiger Barb is a striking colour form of the classic Tiger Barb, selected for its deep green, jade, mossy or almost black-green body colour. Active, bold and full of movement, Puntigrus tetrazona is a brilliant choice for aquariums where a lively shoal is wanted. It is not a quiet nano fish and should not be kept in very small numbers, as Tiger Barbs are famous for chasing and fin-nipping when understocked or kept with unsuitable tank mates.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Jade Green Tiger Barb
Other Names: Green Tiger Barb, Moss Green Tiger Barb, Green Sumatra Barb, Tiger Barb, Sumatra Barb
Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona
Older / Trade Names: Puntius tetrazona, Barbus tetrazona
Fish Type: Barb / Cyprinid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Wild Tiger Barbs are native to Southeast Asia, especially Sumatra and Borneo. FishBase describes Puntigrus tetrazona as a freshwater, benthopelagic species from these islands, while many aquarium fish are now commercially bred in large numbers.

The Jade Green form is a captive-bred ornamental strain. In the aquarium, it should be given a mature setup with open swimming room, plant cover, good filtration and clean, oxygen-rich water.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Jade Green Tiger Barbs have the same deep, compact body shape as standard Tiger Barbs, but with a dark green to jade-black colour replacing much of the usual orange-and-black striping. Some individuals may still show faint barring, darker patches, red-orange fin tones or a coppery sheen depending on age, sex and strain.

Adults usually reach around 5–7 cm, with FishBase listing Puntigrus tetrazona at up to 7 cm total length. Females are usually rounder-bodied, while mature males may show stronger colour and reddish tones around the fins or face.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is best for a lively community aquarium, active barb display or species-focused shoal. Jade Green Tiger Barbs suit planted aquariums with strong open swimming lanes, but they are too boisterous for very shy fish, slow feeders or delicate long-finned species. They are hardy when settled, but they need space, stable water and a proper group to behave well.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 120 litres for a group, with 150 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal or mixed community. A tank length of at least 90 cm is recommended. Seriously Fish recommends keeping Tiger Barbs in a group of 8–10 or more, as this helps reduce bullying and keeps chasing within the group rather than directed at tank mates.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable
Additional Notes: FishBase lists Puntigrus tetrazona at 20–26°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and hardness 5–19 dH. Keep water clean, well filtered and well oxygenated. Commercially bred colour forms are generally adaptable, but sudden changes, high nitrate and poor maintenance should be avoided.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Semi-Aggressive

Jade Green Tiger Barbs are active, robust and can be nippy. Suitable tank mates include other active barbs, larger danios, rainbowfish, robust rasboras, loaches, bristlenose plecs and fast-moving community fish that will not be intimidated. They can also be kept as a large species group, which is often the best way to enjoy their behaviour.

Avoid angelfish, male bettas, fancy guppies, long-fin gouramis, slow fancy goldfish, delicate nano fish and any fish with trailing fins. Keep in a group of at least 8, with 10–12 or more preferred. Small groups are much more likely to harass each other and nip tank mates.

Feeding:

Jade Green Tiger Barbs are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small pellets and granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, bloodworm, cyclops and mosquito larvae. Include some vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes, algae-based foods or blanched greens. A varied diet supports colour, condition and activity.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is a fast, lively midwater fish that spends much of its time swimming, chasing, sparring and exploring. A proper shoal creates constant movement and helps spread aggression. Males may display to each other, and the group may become especially active at feeding time. A secure lid is recommended, as active barbs can jump if startled.

Care Notes:

Keep Jade Green Tiger Barbs in a mature aquarium with stable water and enough swimming space. Do not keep singly, in pairs or in tiny groups. Avoid long-finned and slow-moving tank mates. Provide plants or décor around the sides and back, but leave open water for the group to move. Regular water changes and good oxygenation are important, as active barbs produce a noticeable bioload.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred colour strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, jade colour, green intensity, faint barring, fin colour and markings can occur between individual fish.