Compatibility brief
Can Apistogramma Macmasteri live with Tiger Barb?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
100L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 100L (larger active fish often want more length).
Assessment details
Caution advised
Top issueTiger barb groups bully bottom-oriented dwarf cichlids off their territory. Even well-grouped barbs are the wrong energy for a macmasteri pair trying to hold a cave.
Compatible temperaments
Both Apistogramma Macmasteri and Tiger Barb share a semi-aggressive temperament.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Tiger barb groups bully bottom-oriented dwarf cichlids off…”
Caution advised
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Apistogramma macmasteri
Primary: species page covering Meta basin habitat, soft acidic water requirement, and the strong territorial behaviour at spawning sites.
- Practical Fishkeeping. Macmaster's Apistogramma
Secondary: editor coverage of colour variants (gold, red-mask) and the strong line-breeding of the species in the hobby.
- Seriously Fish. Puntigrus tetrazona
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Puntigrus tetrazona
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Puntigrus tetrazona
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Apistogramma Macmasteri + Tiger Barb
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.

