Freshwater

Figure 8-11:
Tiger barbs
are
aggressive
and need a
big tank.
Chapter 8: Finding Your Species
Tiger barbs are territorial, so the larger the tank the better. This species will
eat almost anything offered and should be fed a mixture of meaty foods and
vegetable-based fish food. The water temperature for this species is 70–74
degrees F. Make sure you have lots of plants and decorations to provide them
hiding places when they start to pick on each other.
Cherry barb (Barbus titteya)
Like its name suggests, this species of barb has a light red iridescent color
and is shaped somewhat like a diamond. Even the sides of the fish have diamond-shaped
markings. Maybe they should have called it the diamond
cherry barb.
If provided with a planted tank and a school of its own kind, the cherry barb
is generally peaceful and even timid around other species. Tank conditions
are similar to the tiger barb.
Green barb (Barbus tetrazona)
The green barb gets its name from its emerald green color. This fish can get
slightly aggressive and nip fins. Aquarium conditions and tankmates are similar
to the tiger barb.
Zebra danio (Brachydanio rerio)
The South Asian zebra danio is one of the most popular community fish. The
little speed demon makes the top of your tank look like the Indianapolis 500.
This omnivorous, torpedo-shaped wonder is gold with blue stripes and very
hardy. Keep danio in schools of five to seven in a tank with dense foliage
where they can lay their eggs. Danios tend to fade away and die without a
school, so give them some aquatic buddies.
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