Blue Velvet Tiger Barb

The Blue Velvet Tiger Barb is a beautiful and unique color variety of the classic Tiger Barb. This striking fish displays a deep metallic blue body with dark vertical tiger-like stripes, creating a dramatic and elegant appearance in the aquarium.

Their shimmering blue coloration becomes even more vibrant under aquarium lighting, especially when kept in groups. Like other Tiger Barb varieties, Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are active schooling fish that constantly move around the aquarium, adding energy and color to any setup.

Because of their hardy nature and lively behavior, they are a popular choice for community aquariums with active fish species.

Why Aquarists Love Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs

• Stunning metallic blue coloration with tiger striping
• Very active schooling fish
• Hardy and adaptable to aquarium conditions
• Excellent addition to lively community tanks

Behavior & Compatibility

Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are social schooling fish that should always be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. Larger groups help spread out aggression and encourage natural schooling behavior.

Like other Tiger Barb varieties, they can be semi-active and occasionally fin-nippers, especially toward slow-moving fish with long fins.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Other barbs
• Danios
• Rasboras
• Rainbowfish
• Other fast-moving community fish

Avoid keeping them with:

• Angelfish
• Betta fish
• Long-finned gouramis
• Slow-moving species

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs thrive in well-established aquariums with open swimming space and planted areas for cover.

Recommended aquarium features include:

• Live plants such as Java Fern or Vallisneria
• Driftwood and rocks for structure
• Open swimming areas
• Moderate water flow

A spacious aquarium allows them to display their natural schooling behavior.

Diet and Feeding

Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods.

Recommended foods include:

• High-quality flakes
• Small pellets
• Frozen bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia

A varied diet will help maintain their health and enhance their coloration.

Recommended Tank Parameters

Temperature: 72 – 79°F (22 – 26°C)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
KH: 4 – 10 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Larger tanks are recommended for keeping bigger schools.

Size Information

Average Adult Size:
2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm)

Typical Sale Size:
0.75 – 1.5 inches

Origin

The Blue Velvet Tiger Barb is a selectively bred color variety of the Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona), a species originally native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Borneo.