Mixed Barbs Tank Question

[dan1224]

Hi all,
I have a 55 gallon tank that I've had 6 tiger barbs, 6 odessa barbs, and one bushynose pleco in for several months. They all get along fine, with the tiger barbs usually schooling close together and the odessas forming a looser group usually near or around the tigers (and the pleco always hiding in one dark corner). Earlier today I added 6 black ruby barbs, and while the other fish arent antagonzing them at all, suddenly the tigers are starting to be aggressive to each other, especially the biggest one... he's been chasing around a couple of the smaller ones all day, but only other tiger barbs. Is this something I should be concerned about or do something about? Other than that the black rubies are mixing right in and getting along fine with the fish I had

 

[lrhodes]

Just keep an eye on it. I know with cichlid aggression, sometimes rearranging the tank can help. Don't know if the same applies to barbs..

 

[Rak9378]

Generally speaking I would say it is fairly typical behavior for a Tiger Barb.  As long as you're not seeing actualy physical injury they should be fine.  They are a pretty aggressive fish but when kept in appropriate numbers (bare min is 5 ideally at least 8) and with the right tank mates that aggression will be limited to within the Tiger shoal.  Tigers also establish a hierarchy in the shoal so it is not uncommon to see them fighting from time to time when one challenges another for a higher position.  You will be able to see this because their nose and fins will become a deep red and the black stripes will almost fade and turn metallic.  I have also seen mine swimming in tight circles with each other almost like they are dancing.  LOL  Pretty cool to see

 
Do you have hiding places in your tank?  While they are a shoaling fish they do appreciate places to take cover like driftwood and rocks. 

 

[dan1224]

Well the big tiger calmed down within a day and they all seem happy and healthy thanks for the replies. Such a beautiful combination in there with the tigers black rubies and odessas.

 

[Rak9378]

Glad to hear it!! They are a really fun fish to watch! Odessas are really pretty fish. I was going to stock them initially but ended up going with Rosy Barbs because my LFS was out of Odessas and I grew impatient. Lol

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

As long as you're not seeing actual physical injury they should be fine. 

Agreed.