Live Fish Red Tiger Barb Balloon | Single

The Balloon Red Tiger Barb features a genetic trait that compresses its spine, resulting in a short, plump, balloon-like body shape. It boasts a fiery, bright red or deep orange background color paired with four distinct, vertical black bars running down its torso. The fins and snout are typically tipped with a vibrant red hue. Because of its altered anatomy, its swimming pattern is distinct—displaying a slightly awkward but highly energetic and playful waddle across the tank. 

Core Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length, making them slightly shorter than standard tiger barbs due to their compressed shape. 
• Lifespan: Can live for 5 to 7 years when provided with proper care and stable water parameters. 
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and highly energetic. They establish a strict pecking order and are notorious for fin-nipping. 
• Diet: Strictly omnivorous. They enthusiastically consume high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional treats of live or frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Tank Setup & Compatibility

• Schooling Requirement: You must keep them in a group of at least 6 to 8 individuals. Keeping a single fish or a tiny group causes extreme stress and amplifies their aggressive fin-nipping behavior toward other tank mates.
• Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons to accommodate their fast, schooling nature and need for open swimming space.
• Water Parameters: Temperature of 74–79°F (23–26°C), pH level of 6.0–7.5, and water hardness of 5–19 dGH.
• Ideal Tank Mates: Fast-moving, short-finned species like danios, rasboras, clown loaches, or larger tetras.
• Fish to Avoid: Slower-moving fish with long, flowing fins—such as Angelfish, Guppies, and Bettas—as their fins will likely be heavily targeted.