Tiger Barb - Green Short Body - Puntius tetrazona var. "Green Short Body" Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Green Short Body Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is cherished within the aquarium industry for their engaging behavioural traits and vibrant interaction with their surroundings. However, it's essential to note that these are not naturally occurring variants. They are the product of selective breeding practices that have emphasised the short body trait, creating a unique morph within this species.
These fish continue to captivate aquarium enthusiasts with their robustness, ease of care, and dynamic displays. However, their compatibility with other aquatic species requires careful consideration due to their tendency for fin-nipping, potentially posing challenges for fish species with more delicate fins.
In contrast, swift and agile aquatic species such as Danios, Platys, and a considerable number of catfish species form excellent companions in the aquarium. These species harmoniously blend with the spirited nature of the Green Short Body Tiger Barbs. An ideal tankmate is the clown loach, which is known for its peaceful coexistence with the barbs, often schooling with them and even adopting their behaviour.
The lively and playful demeanour of Green Short Body Tiger Barbs is captivating, often marked by energetic chasing and darting manoeuvres within the aquarium. To ensure their well-being, providing optimal living conditions is critical. These fish thrive in soft, mildly acidic water but are also commendably adaptable to different water conditions.
Providing them with ample swimming space and a mix of live or artificial plants significantly contributes to their optimal living conditions. Furthermore, incorporating suitable lighting and a fine substrate completes the perfect habitat for these animated creatures.
Tiger Barb - Green Short Body Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Upon reaching sexual maturity, the differences between male and female Green Short Body Tiger Barbs become significantly more noticeable. The females generally exhibit fuller and more rounded abdomens as well as being larger than males. Alongside their slightly larger stature, they can be identified by their predominantly black dorsal fins. Conversely, male Green Short Body Tiger Barbs draw attention with their strikingly vibrant colouration. Their unique red noses, which become even more pronounced during breeding seasons, provide additional visual clues for sex determination.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Puntius tetrazona var. "Green Short Body" |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1855 |
| Other Names | Sumatra Barb, Moss Barb, Partbelt Barb |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Puntigrus |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 10 |
| ℉ | 68 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
While the Green Short Body Tiger Barb is not a naturally occurring variant but rather a result of selective breeding, their classic counterparts, the Tiger Barbs, have a rich natural history. These original Tiger Barbs hail from the verdant jungles of Malaysia, Borneo, Thailand, Cambodia, and Sumatra, truly embodying the marvel of their natural surroundings.
Interestingly, these exotic barbs have found their way to various corners of the globe, marking their presence in places such as Australia, Singapore, Colombia, and the United States. This distribution is a testament to their worldwide popularity among aquarium enthusiasts.
In their native habitats, Tiger Barbs inhabit tranquil tributaries decorated with rocky and sandy landscapes, dense underwater vegetation, and rivers shaded by overarching trees. In such environments, they indulge in a diverse diet that includes algae, insects, invertebrates, and plant debris. Their preference for clear, well-oxygenated waters makes their natural habitats a visual delight.
While replicating this ideal environment for Green Short Body Tiger Barbs in your home aquarium might require a level of commitment, the rewards of creating a vibrant, interactive aquatic space make the endeavour truly worthwhile.
Breeding
The successful propagation of Green Short Body Tiger Barbs necessitates a specialised aquarium setup meticulously tailored to support their unique breeding cycle and the subsequent developmental stages of the offspring. The breeding aquarium should be outfitted with fine-leaved plants and soft, slightly warmed, acidic water. This environment is specifically crafted to induce spawning and foster successful breeding.
The base of the tank holds a crucial role in this process. It should either be devoid of any substrate or lined with a spawning mesh, marbles, or pebbles. This design precludes the parent fish from reaching and consuming the eggs, thereby improving the survival odds of the fry.
Once the breeding aquarium is adequately prepared, selectively choose a group of the most vibrant and healthy Green Short Body Tiger Barbs, approximately six in total. Introduce these chosen specimens into the breeding tank and observe their behaviour as they form pairs. Following the formation of pairs, the unpaired fish should be removed. The remaining pairs should be nurtured with a diet rich in live foods to promote successful spawning.
Spawning typically occurs during the early morning hours. The female Green Short Body Tiger Barb deposits approximately 200 eggs, varying from clear to yellowish in colour. These eggs are promptly fertilised by the male. It is crucial to separate the parent fish from the fertilised eggs post-spawning to avoid any predatory behaviour.
Approximately 36 hours post-fertilisation, the eggs hatch into fry. Within another 4-5 days, these newborn fish begin free-swimming. The dietary requirements of the fry necessitate thoughtful consideration. Start by feeding them freshly hatched brine shrimp, their initial nourishment. As they mature and grow larger, transition their diet to finely crushed flake food. This gradual dietary adjustment promotes the optimal growth and vitality of the young Green Short Body Tiger Barbs.
Diet & Feeding
Maintaining the health and vitality of your Green Short Body Tiger Barbs is reliant on providing them with a varied and nutritionally rich diet. Although these fish are not particularly fastidious about their food, they benefit significantly from premium flake food as the mainstay of their diet, which enhances their immune system.
To ensure a balanced diet, it is advisable to supplement the flake food with a mix of frozen, live, and freeze-dried food types. Green Short Body Tiger Barbs will readily consume items such as Bloodworms, Daphnia, and brine shrimp. Furthermore, these barbs exhibit a pronounced predilection for small aquatic invertebrates and blanched vegetables.
By offering a diverse selection of food groups, you ensure that your Green Short Body Tiger Barbs receive a holistic diet. This deliberate approach to their nutrition promotes the growth of healthier, more vibrant fish, augmenting the appeal of your aquarium.
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