Barbs are lively, hardy, and colorful fish in the minnow family Cyprinidae. They are all schooling fish that do best if kept in groups of at least five or more, so keep that in mind when considering tank size for these fish. Most barbs prefer soft acidic water that is well aerated and a bit on the cooler side.
Because barbs are so active, tank mates should only be species that can tolerate boisterous companions. Long-finned fish, in particular, are usually not the best tank mates for some, such as the tiger barb. However, selective breeding has produced long-fin varieties of many barb species, including the tiger barb! The following barb species overviews will help you choose one that is right for you.
