Compatibility brief
Can Celebes Rainbowfish live with Tiger Barb?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: low
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
80L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 80L (larger active fish often want more length).
Temperament gap (peaceful vs semi-aggressive) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Top issueTiger Barb is semi-aggressive, while Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
Hardness preference mismatch
Celebes Rainbowfish prefers hard water and Tiger Barb prefers soft water. One of them lives outside its comfort band long-term — pick the tank's water for the more sensitive species.
“Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive, while Celebes Rainbowfish is…”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Celebes Rainbowfish can escape if harassed.
- •Celebes Rainbowfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- •Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Marosatherina ladigesi
Primary: species page on Sulawesi limestone-stream origin (which explains the hard alkaline water requirement) and the extended-fin display in males.
- Practical Fishkeeping. Celebes Rainbowfish Profile
Secondary: editor coverage of stocking, water chemistry, and the colour development that needs months of stable water.
- 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 Celebes Rainbowfish + 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: medium. Driven by the lower-confidence profile (Celebes Rainbowfish): Typical care sources — real tanks still vary.