Barbs are active, energetic schooling fish that bring plenty of movement and colour to a freshwater aquarium. Most species are hardy and well-suited to community tanks, but some (like tiger barbs) can be a little nippy, especially towards long-finned or very slow tank mates, so they’re best kept in groups of six or more to spread any aggression. A minimum aquarium size of around 80 litres is recommended for a small group, with a longer tank providing the swimming space they enjoy. Barbs thrive in well-filtered, moderately flowing water with some open areas for shoaling and planted or decorated sections for cover, and they do best on a varied diet of quality flakes, pellets and frozen foods.
