Blue Velvet Tiger Barb
Capoeta tetrazona
In Stock
Common stock
Wild Caught
Moderate care
Not Reef Safe
SKU: 01-A-17-080-04
The Blue Velvet Tiger Barb features striking colors and a lively personality, making it a favored choice for aquarists.
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Export Size
up to 6.0 cm
Origin
Southeast Asia
Temperature
24.0–28.0°C
Min. Tank Size
100 L
pH
6.00–7.50
Diet
omnivore
The Blue Velvet Tiger Barb (Capoeta tetrazona) is a vibrant freshwater species known for its striking blue coloration and distinctive black stripes. This tropical cyprinid fish is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the rivers and streams of Sumatra and Borneo. Its exceptional appearance and active nature make it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts worldwide.
Tiger barbs are characterized by their elongated bodies and laterally compressed shape, typically reaching a maximum size of around 6 centimeters. The blue velvet variant stands out with its deep blue hue, complemented by bold black vertical stripes across its body. These fish are schooling species, and their energetic swimming patterns create a dynamic and visually appealing display in home aquariums.
In terms of behavior, Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are known for their playful and social nature. They thrive in groups, which helps reduce stress and promotes natural schooling behavior. While generally peaceful, they can exhibit fin-nipping tendencies if kept in smaller groups, so it's advisable to maintain a school of at least six individuals to ensure a harmonious environment.
Their natural habitat consists of densely vegetated areas in freshwater streams and rivers, where they find both shelter and food. This environment allows them to forage for small insects and plant matter, contributing to their omnivorous diet. Understanding their natural behaviors and habitat preferences is essential for successful aquarium care and keeping these fish healthy.
Tiger barbs are characterized by their elongated bodies and laterally compressed shape, typically reaching a maximum size of around 6 centimeters. The blue velvet variant stands out with its deep blue hue, complemented by bold black vertical stripes across its body. These fish are schooling species, and their energetic swimming patterns create a dynamic and visually appealing display in home aquariums.
In terms of behavior, Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are known for their playful and social nature. They thrive in groups, which helps reduce stress and promotes natural schooling behavior. While generally peaceful, they can exhibit fin-nipping tendencies if kept in smaller groups, so it's advisable to maintain a school of at least six individuals to ensure a harmonious environment.
Their natural habitat consists of densely vegetated areas in freshwater streams and rivers, where they find both shelter and food. This environment allows them to forage for small insects and plant matter, contributing to their omnivorous diet. Understanding their natural behaviors and habitat preferences is essential for successful aquarium care and keeping these fish healthy.
To maintain the well-being of Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs, it is essential to provide them with suitable water parameters. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C and prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. A minimum tank size of 100 liters is recommended to accommodate their active swimming behavior and social needs.
Feeding a balanced diet is crucial for their health. Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes high-quality flake foods, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms. This variety helps mimic their natural foraging behavior and keeps them healthy.
Compatibility is key when housing Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs with other species. They generally do well with other peaceful fish, but caution should be exercised with long-finned species due to their fin-nipping tendencies. Acclimation to new environments should be done gradually to reduce stress, involving drip acclimation over a few hours.
Lastly, quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks before introducing them to the main tank. This practice helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures that the fish are healthy and free from parasites before joining the community tank.
Feeding a balanced diet is crucial for their health. Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes high-quality flake foods, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms. This variety helps mimic their natural foraging behavior and keeps them healthy.
Compatibility is key when housing Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs with other species. They generally do well with other peaceful fish, but caution should be exercised with long-finned species due to their fin-nipping tendencies. Acclimation to new environments should be done gradually to reduce stress, involving drip acclimation over a few hours.
Lastly, quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks before introducing them to the main tank. This practice helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures that the fish are healthy and free from parasites before joining the community tank.
Blue Velvet Tiger Barbs are suitable for shipping due to their hardiness. It is recommended to pack them in breathable bags with ample oxygen and minimal water to reduce movement during transport. Optimal shipping temperatures should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, and they should be shipped with care to avoid temperature fluctuations. This species is not listed under CITES, making it easier for export and import.
Species Parameters
Max Adult Size
6.0 cm
Origin
Southeast Asia
Diet
omnivore
Temp Min
24.0 °C
Temp Max
28.0 °C
pH Min
6.00
pH Max
7.50
Min Tank
100 L
