Compatibility brief
Can Checkerboard cichlid live with Tiger Barb?
Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.
Checkerboard cichlid + Tiger Barb: Incompatible pH requirements. Checkerboard cichlid prefers pH 3.5–5.5 and Tiger Barb prefers pH 6–7.5. Their ranges do not overlap. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
100L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 100L (larger active fish often want more length).
Tiger Barb is a fin nipper and Checkerboard cichlid is vulnerable to nipping — long fins are a common target even when water parameters match.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive, while Checkerboard cichlid is peaceful. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.
Fin nipping risk
Tiger Barb is a known fin nipper and Checkerboard cichlid has long, flowing fins. Tiger Barb will likely harass Checkerboard cichlid.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
Incompatible pH requirements
Top issueCheckerboard cichlid prefers pH 3.5–5.5 and Tiger Barb prefers pH 6–7.5. Their ranges do not overlap.
“Checkerboard cichlid prefers pH 3”
Incompatible pH requirements
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Checkerboard cichlid can escape if harassed.
- •Avoid keeping Tiger Barb with long-finned fish like Checkerboard cichlid.
- •Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Checkerboard cichlid can escape if harassed.
- →Avoid keeping Tiger Barb with long-finned fish like Checkerboard cichlid.
- →Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
- →Swap tiger barbs for cherry barbs or harlequin rasboras if you want active colour without relentless nipping.
- →Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
- Seriously Fish. Dicrossus filamentosus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Dicrossus filamentosus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Dicrossus filamentosus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- 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 Checkerboard cichlid + Tiger Barb
Plan further
Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. 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. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.