Desmopuntius tetrazona (formerly Puntius tetrazona), better known as Sumatran barb or tiger barb, is a small, very active cyprinid fish that is easy to keep but has a distinct temperament. Its black and orange striped coat makes it a classic in freshwater aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

• A very gregarious schooling fish: it is essential to keep it in a group (6-8 individuals minimum, ideally more).
• Lively behaviour, sometimes nibbling fins if kept in too small numbers or with fish that are too slow.
• Best kept in dynamic community tanks with strong, fast roommates.

Diet

• Omnivorous: readily accepts pellets, quality flakes and micropellets.
• Supplement with frozen or live food (artemia, daphnia, worms) to stimulate coloration and vitality.
• Can include a little plant food (spirulina, finely poached vegetables) for good digestion.

Water quality

• Recommended temperature: 22 - 27°C.
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral soft water).
• Hardness: low to moderate; prefer clean, well-filtered, well-oxygenated water.
• Regular water changes (10-25%/week) are recommended to maintain excellent water quality.

Decor & environment

• Planted tank with large free-swimming areas, roots and rocks forming a few refuges.
• Dark substrate to highlight the contrasting stripes.
• Minimum volume recommended: 100 L for a group, larger if cohabiting with other species.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

To limit fin biting by Desmopuntius tetrazona, keep them in real shoals (6-8 minimum) in a sufficiently large tank, with lively, robust roommates. Avoid long-finned fish (sails, bettas, select guppies). A varied diet and regular water changes will ensure intense colours and more stable behaviour.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in secure isothermal packaging, including pure oxygen and, if necessary, a thermal gel-pack.

Delivery methods

• France Express - Secure delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
• In-store collection - Available in Sombreffe (Belgium).

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday (depending on department), delivery expected between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday, estimated delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.