Tiger Barbs

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DKlar42

Feeder Fish
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Jul 10, 2017
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So I have a 75 gallon with 6 tiger barbs (2 juveniles and newly introduced) and I also recently got 2 scarlet gobies. The tiger barbs are going after the scarlet gobys when they get close and from what I know is just a pecking order? I was wondering how long this goes on for and if they can injure the small gobies?

Thanks
 
So I have a 75 gallon with 6 tiger barbs (2 juveniles and newly introduced) and I also recently got 2 scarlet gobies. The tiger barbs are going after the scarlet gobys when they get close and from what I know is just a pecking order? I was wondering how long this goes on for and if they can injure the small gobies?

Thanks


The pecking order would be among the Tiger Barbs and Tiger Barbs are known for fin nipping and harassing other fish. I really don't know how hardy Scarlet Gobies are but possibility you may have to remove the Gobies if things get too rough in there.
 
I was wondering how long this goes on for and if they can injure the small gobies?
Hello; I have not had gobies with tiger barbs so cannot say anything for sure. I have had groups of tiger barbs. Pretty much a group of tiger barbs will dominate any other fish except perhaps a much larger fish. For fish say a couple of times larger than the tigers I have seen the tigers dominate a tank.
This dominance does not necessarily mean the tigers will try to kill the other fish, usually just occupy any space they wish. I think having several tigers together tends to get them to focus on each other.

That they are actively going after the gobies indicates to me that the gobies will continue to be a target. I do not know why for sure but suspect it will go on as long as they are in the same tank together.
 
Tiger barbs can be little hellions for sure, but it depends on the setup and what's in it. In my 29g with plants, I've got 4 fat tiger barbs, 6 silver hatchets, 2 celestial pearl danios and a small kissing gourami. The hatchets and CPDs are going on 5yrs old. Everything else is pretty young. The TBs are constantly darting about, bumping and shoving each other, but they don't bother anyone else in this setup.
 
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I would say add more tiger barbs and move the scarlet gobies out. Eventually they'll harass the gobies or kill them. When I first got tiger barbs, I started with 6 and they would pick on my geophagus. So I eventually got more and the gang is 40+ strong and they keep to themselves now. If you don't want to move the gobies than I would suggest adding lots of cover for them.
 
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I would say add more tiger barbs and move the scarlet gobies out. Eventually they'll harass the gobies or kill them. When I first got tiger barbs, I started with 6 and they would pick on my geophagus. So I eventually got more and the gang is 40+ strong and they keep to themselves now. If you don't want to move the gobies than I would suggest adding lots of cover for them.

I started out with 6 then lost two. 4 seemed perfect because they didnt mess with eachother or any other fish but I got two more and now the younger/newer ones are targeting one of the older/bigger barbs and is destroying him which really scares me. Goby is fine. Getting more soon but now Im just worried about one of the barbs.
 
I have 13 tiger barbs which I added to my Malawi/Victoria Cichlid Tank. I have some of the less aggressive Cichlids: Peacocks, Kyoga Flamebacks. The tiger barbs are dancing around nicely, but they're careful not to get too close to the cichlids.
 
E0D2EAB3-A130-4EEA-9A40-B76A8729A393.jpeg 674270FD-0436-4F8D-AB74-73FFB0B06D09.jpeg 674270FD-0436-4F8D-AB74-73FFB0B06D09.jpeg 994CBA49-E089-4266-8660-FD666A685388.jpeg
I have 13 tiger barbs which I added to my Malawi/Victoria Cichlid Tank. I have some of the less aggressive Cichlids: Peacocks, Kyoga Flamebacks. The tiger barbs are dancing around nicely, but they're careful not to get too close to the cichlids.
Here are some pics. The cichlids generally ignore them unless they get too close:

A850E48C-972B-44C5-9B6E-1D1AA7EA620F.jpeg
 
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