The Tiger Barb is frequently chosen for a community tank; unfortunately they are not an ideal choice for all aquariums. When kept singly or in groups of two three, they will terrorize almost any fish that is unfortunate enough to reside in the same tank. Yet if they are kept in groups of a half dozen or more, they will usually keep their quarrelling to themselves. Regardless of the numbers kept, it is never advisable to keep Tiger Barbs in the same tank with docile, slow moving, or long finned fish such as Angelfish or Bettas.

Tiger Barbs should be given a variety of foods to maintain a healthy immune system. Include quality flake food as well as live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and beef heart. They will quickly gobble up small aquatic invertebrates and even cooked vegetables.

Tiger Barbs tolerate a wide range of water conditions, but do best in soft, slightly acidic water. The ideal tank should have a large open area for swimming, with an abundance of live or artificial plants around the periphery of the tank. Temperature is not critical, and this fish can even be kept in an unheated tank. Provide good lighting, and a fine substrate to complete the setup.